withhold everything

[wɪðˈhoʊld ˈɛvrɪθɪŋ]
verb phrase
reter tudo; não revelar nada
1. to refuse to give, grant, or disclose all information, resources, or support; to keep back everything
The witness decided to withhold everything and refuse to testify.
A testemunha decidiu reter tudo e recusou-se a testemunhar.
2. to deliberately refuse to provide complete cooperation, information, or assistance
He chose to withhold everything from the investigation.
Ele escolheu não divulgar nada na investigação.
This phrase is commonly used in legal, investigative, and interpersonal contexts in both American and Brazilian English. In Brazilian Portuguese culture, it often relates to legal proceedings or serious disputes. In American culture, it's frequently associated with litigation, witness testimony, or labor disputes. The phrase carries connotations of deliberate non-cooperation or protective secrecy.
NYC Slang
keep it locked down; don't say a word; clam up completely
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hold back everythingconceal all informationkeep silent completelyrefuse disclosurehide everything
Antonyms / Antônimos
reveal everythingdisclose allshare completelygive freelyfull disclosure

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
reter tudo; não revelar nada
standard usage in legal and formal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
guardar tudo pra si; não contar nada
more colloquial phrasing
São Paulo
reter tudo; omitir informações
formal business and legal usage
Portugal
reter tudo; não revelar nada
similar to Brazilian usage, formal context

Related Words

withhold informationhold backconcealsuppressretainsecrecy

Related Idioms & Phrases

play it close to the vest
keep your cards close to your chest
zip your lip
stay mum
seal your lips
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