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

Antonyms

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

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)

Look up more words on Fala2Me

The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more