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bad start

[/bæd stɑːrt/]
nounpl: bad starts
mau começo
1. An unfortunate or unfavorable beginning to something
The project got off to a bad start when the main contractor quit.
O projeto teve um mau começo quando o contratante principal saiu.
2. A disadvantageous position at the beginning of a competition or race
The runner had a bad start and fell behind from the beginning.
O corredor teve uma má largada e ficou atrás desde o começo.
3. A difficult or negative beginning to a relationship or interaction
They got off to a bad start but eventually became good friends.
Eles começaram com o pé esquerdo, mas eventualmente se tornaram bons amigos.
Synonyms
poor beginningrough startfalse startinauspicious beginningrocky start
Antonyms
good startpromising startauspicious beginningflying start

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mau começo
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Brazil
começo ruim
Alternative colloquial form
Brazil (Sports)
má largada
Used specifically in racing and sports contexts
Portugal
mau começo
Standard usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

off to a bad start
get off on the wrong foot
start on the wrong side of the bed
false start
hit the ground running (opposite)
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