avoid the problem

[/əˈvɔɪd ðə ˈprɑːbləm/]
verb phrase
evitar o problema
1. to deliberately stay away from or refrain from dealing with a difficult situation or issue
He tends to avoid the problem instead of facing it head-on.
Ele tende a evitar o problema em vez de enfrentá-lo de frente.
2. to prevent oneself from encountering or engaging with something troublesome
We cannot avoid the problem any longer; we must take action.
Não podemos evitar o problema por mais tempo; devemos agir.
Both in American and Brazilian cultures, avoiding problems is often viewed negatively as a sign of weakness or irresponsibility. However, in certain contexts, strategic avoidance or choosing one's battles is seen as wisdom. The phrase reflects universal human behavior of procrastination and conflict avoidance.
NYC Slang
dodge the issue
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sidestep the issuedodge the problemevade the problemskirt the issueignore the problembrush aside
Antonyms / Antônimos
face the problemconfront the issueaddress the problemtackle the problemengage with the issue

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
evitar o problema
Most common and standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
escapar do problema
Colloquial variant meaning to escape or get away from the problem
São Paulo
desviar do problema
Regional variant emphasizing the act of deviating or steering away
Portugal
evitar o problema
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; 'fugir ao problema' also used colloquially

Related Words

procrastinationevasiondenialavoidance behaviorcircumventpostpone

Related Idioms & Phrases

bury one's head in the sand
kick the can down the road
sweep it under the rug
turn a blind eye
put one's head in the clouds
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