contorcer-se, mexer-se, remexer-se
1. to twist and turn the body from side to side, usually in a wriggling motion
The child squirmed in his seat during the long ceremony.
A criança se contorcia na cadeira durante a longa cerimônia.
2. to show signs of guilt, discomfort, or embarrassment
He squirmed when confronted about his lies.
Ele se remexeu quando confrontado sobre suas mentiras.
3. to move with short, twisting motions like a worm or snake
The caterpillar squirmed across the leaf.
A lagarta se contorcia pela folha.
In both American and Brazilian English, 'squirm' often describes both physical fidgeting and emotional discomfort. It's frequently used when describing children's behavior or someone's reaction to embarrassment. The phrase 'make someone squirm' is idiomatic and means to deliberately put someone in an uncomfortable situation.
NYC Slang
wiggle out, squirm out of something (to try to escape a difficult situation)
Related Idioms & Phrases
squirm out of (something) - to try to escape or avoid responsibility
make someone squirm - to cause someone embarrassment or discomfort
squirm like a worm - to move in an undulating fashion
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