challenging start

[CHAL-en-jing START]
noun phrasepl: challenging starts
início desafiador
1. A beginning or commencement of something that is difficult, demanding, or requires significant effort to overcome
The team had a challenging start to the season with three consecutive losses.
O time teve um início desafiador da temporada com três derrotas consecutivas.
2. An inauspicious or difficult opening phase of an endeavor, project, or situation
Despite a challenging start, the company eventually became successful.
Apesar de um início desafiador, a empresa eventualmente se tornou bem-sucedida.
3. The early stages of something marked by obstacles or hardships
She had a challenging start in her new job but quickly adapted.
Ela teve um início desafiador no novo emprego, mas se adaptou rapidamente.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe difficulties in sports, business, education, and personal endeavors. In Brazil, it's frequently used in sports commentary and business reporting. The concept reflects a universal understanding that difficult beginnings can be overcome with persistence, a value emphasized in both cultures.
NYC Slang
rough start, tough break
Synonyms / Sinônimos
difficult beginningrough starttough openinghard startproblematic commencement
Antonyms / Antônimos
smooth starteasy beginninggood startpromising startauspicious beginning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
início desafiador
Most common and widely understood across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
começo difícil
Colloquial alternative, commonly used in casual speech
São Paulo
largada desafiadora
More formal, often used in business contexts
Portugal
começo desafiante
Portuguese European variant, slightly different stress and usage patterns

Related Words

obstaclesetbackadversitydifficultycommencementinceptionstruggle

Related Idioms & Phrases

start off on the wrong foot
hit the ground running
face an uphill battle
start from scratch
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