work slower

[wɜrk ˈsloʊ.ər]
verb phrase
trabalhar mais lentamente
1. to perform tasks or labor at a reduced pace; to decrease one's work speed or productivity
The workers decided to work slower to protest unfair wages.
Os trabalhadores decidiram trabalhar mais lentamente para protestar contra salários injustos.
2. to intentionally reduce work pace as a form of labor action or strike
They began to work slower until management agreed to negotiate.
Eles começaram a trabalhar mais lentamente até que a gerência concordasse em negociar.
3. to proceed with caution or deliberation in completing work
The surgeon had to work slower to ensure precision during the delicate operation.
O cirurgião teve que trabalhar mais lentamente para garantir precisão durante a operação delicada.
In Brazilian labor culture, 'trabalhar mais lentamente' or 'fazer corpo mole' (literally: make a soft body) is a recognized form of labor protest short of a full strike. In the USA, this is often called a 'slowdown' and has been used strategically by unions. The concept reflects workplace dynamics and employee-employer negotiations in both cultures.
NYC Slang
chill on the grind, ease up on the hustle, slow roll it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
work at a slower pacedecelerate workslow downreduce speedwork less quickly
Antonyms / Antônimos
work fasteraccelerate workincrease pacework more quicklyrush

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalhar mais lentamente
Standard translation used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
trabalhar na morna
Colloquial expression meaning to work at a leisurely pace
São Paulo
trabalhar devagar
Commonly used alternative in São Paulo region
Portugal
trabalhar mais devagar
Portuguese European equivalent

Related Words

paceproductivityslowdownwork ethiclabor actionefficiency

Related Idioms & Phrases

work-to-rule
go-slow
take it easy
pace yourself
work at a snail's pace
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