worm through

[/wɜːrm θruː/]
verb (phrasal verb)
se esgueirar através de; passar se contorcendo; abrir caminho com dificuldade
1. to move through a narrow or confined space by twisting and turning the body, like a worm
The child had to worm through the fence to retrieve the ball.
A criança teve que se esgueirar através da cerca para recuperar a bola.
2. to gradually make progress through something difficult or complicated
She managed to worm through the bureaucratic process despite its complexity.
Ela conseguiu se esgueirar através do processo burocrático apesar de sua complexidade.
3. to obtain something through persistent or cunning effort
He wormed through enough information to solve the mystery.
Ele conseguiu extrair informações suficientes para resolver o mistério.
This phrasal verb is commonly used in both American and Brazilian English to describe physical movement through tight spaces or figuratively to describe navigating difficult situations. In Brazilian Portuguese, the equivalent often uses 'esgueirar-se' (to slip through) or 'se metendo' (to squeeze in), emphasizing the cunning or persistent nature of the action.
NYC Slang
snake through; squeeze your way through
Synonyms / Sinônimos
squeeze throughwriggle throughsnake throughmaneuver throughnavigate through
Antonyms / Antônimos
blockobstructprevent passage

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
se esgueirar através de; passar se contorcendo
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
se espremer; se metendo
More colloquial variants
São Paulo
se esgueirar; abrir caminho
Standard usage in formal contexts
Portugal
passar-se através de; esgueirar-se
Slightly different phrasing but same meaning

Related Words

wormwigglecontortnavigatepenetratesqueeze

Related Idioms & Phrases

worm your way into someone's confidence
worm information out of someone
can of worms
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