suggests guilt

[səˈdʒɛsts ɡɪlt]
verb phrase
sugere culpa
1. to imply or indicate that someone is responsible for or has committed a wrongdoing or crime
The evidence suggests guilt on the part of the defendant.
As evidências sugerem culpa por parte do réu.
2. to give signs or signals that someone feels ashamed or responsible for something
His nervous behavior suggests guilt about the broken vase.
Seu comportamento nervoso sugere culpa pelo vaso quebrado.
3. to point toward or indicate probable responsibility without direct proof
The witness's testimony suggests guilt, though it is not conclusive.
O testemunho da testemunha sugere culpa, embora não seja conclusivo.
In both Brazilian and American legal and social contexts, this phrase is commonly used in criminal justice discussions, interrogations, and casual conversations about suspicious behavior. In Brazil, body language and nervous behavior are often considered strong indicators ('sugere culpa') even in informal settings, while in the USA, there is more emphasis on concrete evidence. The phrase reflects cultural attitudes toward guilt, innocence, and the burden of proof in both societies.
NYC Slang
gives it away
Synonyms / Sinônimos
implies wrongdoingindicates culpabilitypoints to responsibilityhints at guiltinsinuates blame
Antonyms / Antônimos
suggests innocenceimplies blamelessnessindicates exonerationpoints to acquittal

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sugere culpa
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
sugere culpa / indica culpa
Both forms used equally; more formal in legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
denuncia / acusa
More colloquial alternative emphasizing accusation
Portugal
sugere culpabilidade
Prefers 'culpabilidade' over 'culpa' in legal discourse

Related Words

culpabilityincriminateimplicatessuspectsevidencetestimonyaccused

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught red-handed
the smoking gun
speaks volumes
tells on someone
a dead giveaway
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →