wait signal

[/weɪt ˈsɪɡnəl/]
nounpl: wait signals
sinal de espera
1. A signal or indication that instructs someone to pause, remain stationary, or delay action until further notice
The traffic officer gave a wait signal to the pedestrians at the crosswalk.
O agente de trânsito deu um sinal de espera aos pedestres na faixa de pedestres.
2. In computing and telecommunications, a signal indicating that a process or transmission should be temporarily halted
The system sent a wait signal while processing the large file.
O sistema enviou um sinal de espera enquanto processava o arquivo grande.
3. A gesture or communication indicating that someone should hold on or standby
She made a wait signal with her hand to tell him to hold on.
Ela fez um sinal de espera com a mão para lhe dizer que esperasse.
In Brazil, wait signals are commonly used in traffic management and are recognized as important safety gestures. In digital and technical contexts, the term is used similarly to English-speaking countries. The gesture is typically a raised hand with palm facing outward or a waving motion indicating someone should pause or hold their position.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hold signalstop signalpause signalstandby signalwaiting gesture
Antonyms / Antônimos
go signalproceed signalclear signaladvance signal

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sinal de espera
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
sinal de espera / sinal de parada
May also use 'sinal de parada' in traffic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
sinal de espera
Standard usage in urban context
Portugal
sinal de espera / sinal de pausa
Alternative 'sinal de pausa' may be used in technical contexts

Related Words

traffic signalhand signalsignal lightgestureindicationinstruction

Related Idioms & Phrases

to give someone the wait signal
to receive a wait signal
hold your horses (informal English equivalent)
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