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challenge the status quo

[CHAL-ənj ðə STAY-təs KWOH]
verb phrase
desafiar o status quo
1. To question or oppose established norms, traditions, or existing conditions; to actively work against the current state of affairs
Young entrepreneurs challenge the status quo by introducing innovative business models.
Jovens empresários desafiam o status quo ao introduzirem modelos de negócio inovadores.
2. To rebel against conventional wisdom or accepted practices
The activist group decided to challenge the status quo on environmental policies.
O grupo ativista decidiu desafiar o status quo nas políticas ambientais.
NYC Slang
shake things up
Synonyms
question the establishmentrock the boatbuck the systempush back against conventiondisrupt the norm
Antonyms
maintain the status quogo along with the flowconformuphold tradition

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desafiar o status quo
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
questionar o establishment
Alternative phrasing used in business contexts
Portugal
questionar o estabelecido
Slightly more formal phrasing; 'status quo' is also used
General Brazilian
ir contra a maré
Colloquial alternative meaning 'go against the tide'

Related Idioms & Phrases

rock the boat
upset the applecart
buck the system
break the mold
go against the grain
stir the pot
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