← Back to Fala2Me

withdraw gracefully

[wɪðˈdrɔː ˈɡreɪsf(ə)li]
verb phrase
retirar-se com dignidade
1. to exit or leave a situation, competition, or position in a dignified and composed manner without making excuses or causing conflict
After losing the election, the candidate decided to withdraw gracefully and congratulate the winner.
Depois de perder a eleição, o candidato decidiu retirar-se com dignidade e felicitar o vencedor.
2. to accept defeat or rejection with composure and good manners
She withdrew gracefully from the competition when it became clear she couldn't win.
Ela se retirou com elegância da competição quando ficou claro que não poderia ganhar.
NYC Slang
peace out with class
Synonyms
bow out elegantlyexit with dignitystep aside gracefullyaccept defeat gracefullyretire with honor
Antonyms
withdraw bitterlyexit angrilystorm offmake a scene

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
retirar-se com dignidade
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
sair com a cabeça erguida
Colloquial: 'leave with head held high'
São Paulo
retirar-se com elegância
More formal usage in business contexts
Portugal
retirar-se dignamente
European Portuguese preference for 'dignamente' over 'com dignidade'

Related Idioms & Phrases

bow out gracefully
exit stage left
leave with head held high
accept the loss with grace
take it on the chin
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →