unbutton

[/ʌnˈbʌtən/]
verb
desabotoar
1. to unfasten or open something by undoing buttons
She unbuttoned her coat as she walked inside.
Ela desabotoou seu casaco enquanto entrava.
2. to relax or become more open and candid in conversation
After a few drinks, he began to unbutton and share his feelings.
Depois de algumas bebidas, ele começou a se abrir e compartilhar seus sentimentos.
In American English, 'unbutton' is commonly used both literally for clothing and figuratively to mean 'relax and be more candid.' In Brazilian Portuguese, 'desabotoar' primarily carries the literal meaning, while the figurative sense might be expressed differently, such as 'se abrir' (to open up) or 'relaxar' (to relax).
NYC Slang
open up (when referring to the figurative meaning of becoming candid)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unfastenundoopenunzip
Antonyms / Antônimos
buttonfastenclosezip

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desabotoar
standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desabotoar
common usage, no significant variation
São Paulo
desabotoar
standard usage
Portugal
desabotoar
same term used in European Portuguese

Related Words

buttonbuttonholefastenergarmentclothingopen

Related Idioms & Phrases

unbutton one's lip (reveal secrets or speak freely)
loosen up (similar figurative meaning)
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