bad deal

[/bæd diːl/]
nounpl: bad deals
má negociação; negócio ruim; péssimo acordo
1. An unfavorable or disadvantageous transaction, agreement, or arrangement where one party receives less value or benefit than expected
Buying that car without checking its history was a bad deal.
Comprar aquele carro sem verificar seu histórico foi um negócio ruim.
2. A situation or circumstance that is unfortunate, unjust, or unfavorable for someone
It's a bad deal that he got fired after working there for 20 years.
É uma má sorte que ele foi demitido após trabalhar lá por 20 anos.
3. An unsatisfactory or disappointing outcome from a bargain or exchange
Trading my vintage guitar for that new one turned out to be a bad deal.
Trocar meu violão antigo por aquele novo acabou sendo uma péssima negociação.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, 'bad deal' is commonly used in everyday conversation to express dissatisfaction with transactions, agreements, or life circumstances. Americans often use it in business contexts, while Brazilians frequently use colloquial variants like 'cilada' (a trap) or 'furada' (a hole/failure) in informal settings. The expression reflects consumer awareness and the importance of fair negotiation in both cultures.
NYC Slang
raw deal; shaft; screwed; got played
Synonyms / Sinônimos
raw dealrip-offpoor bargainunfavorable transactionbad bargainlosing proposition
Antonyms / Antônimos
good dealbargaingreat dealfair tradewin-win situation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
negócio ruim; má negociação; péssimo acordo
Most common and neutral expression used across all regions
Rio de Janeiro
cilada; furada; enrascada
Colloquial slang terms commonly used in informal speech
São Paulo
negócio mal fechado; negócio chulo
Business-oriented expressions reflecting commercial context
Portugal
mau negócio; péssima negociação; cilada
Portuguese uses similar formal expressions with slightly different word order

Related Words

negotiateagreementtransactionunfairdisadvantageousunfortunate

Related Idioms & Phrases

get the short end of the stick
take someone to the cleaners
get ripped off
make a bad bargain
a losing proposition
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