tighter margin

[ˈtaɪtər ˈmɑːrdʒɪn]
noun phrasepl: tighter margins
margem mais apertada
1. A smaller difference or gap between two quantities, values, or competitors; reduced profit margin or victory margin
The company is operating on a tighter margin due to increased costs.
A empresa está operando com uma margem mais apertada devido aos custos aumentados.
2. A narrower advantage in a competition or election
The candidate won by a tighter margin than expected in the polls.
O candidato venceu por uma margem mais apertada do que esperado nas pesquisas.
3. Less financial cushion or buffer for error in budgeting or planning
We need to be careful with our spending; we're working with a tighter margin this quarter.
Precisamos ser cuidadosos com nossos gastos; estamos trabalhando com uma margem mais apertada neste trimestre.
This phrase is widely used in both American and Brazilian business environments, particularly in financial reports, election coverage, and sports commentary. In Brazil, it's common in quarterly earnings discussions and political elections. The expression emphasizes financial or competitive pressure and the need for careful management or strategy.
NYC Slang
slim pickings / close call (informal contextual equivalents)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
narrower marginslimmer marginreduced marginclose marginthin margin
Antonyms / Antônimos
wider marginlarger margincomfortable marginsubstantial margingenerous margin

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
margem mais apertada
Standard usage in business and financial contexts
São Paulo
margem mais apertada / margem mais curta
Both expressions are used in commercial and industrial sectors
Portugal
margem mais apertada / margem mais estreita
Used in similar business contexts as Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
margem mais apertada
Common in financial and sports commentary

Related Words

profit marginmargin of victoryfinancial marginbuffergapdifferencecushion

Related Idioms & Phrases

operating on a shoestring
cutting it close
playing with fire
by the skin of one's teeth
a narrow escape
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