challenging times

[CHAL-ən-jing TAIMZ]
noun phrase
tempos desafiadores
1. periods characterized by difficult circumstances, obstacles, or hardships that require effort and resilience to overcome
We are living in challenging times due to the economic crisis.
Estamos vivendo em tempos desafiadores devido à crise econômica.
2. situations that test one's abilities, patience, or determination
The pandemic presented challenging times for small businesses.
A pandemia apresentou tempos desafiadores para pequenas empresas.
This phrase is widely used in both American and Brazilian contexts to discuss economic downturns, pandemics, political instability, or personal difficulties. In Brazil, it's commonly used in media discourse and corporate communications. In the USA, it frequently appears in motivational speeches and political rhetoric, often paired with messages of resilience and hope.
NYC Slang
rough times / the struggle
Synonyms / Sinônimos
difficult timeshard timestough timestrying timestroubling timesturbulent times
Antonyms / Antônimos
easy timesgood timesprosperous timespeaceful times

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tempos desafiadores
most common formal usage
General Brazilian
tempos difíceis
more colloquial alternative
Rio de Janeiro
tempos brabos
colloquial/informal usage
Portugal
tempos desafiadores
same as Brazilian, formal context

Related Words

adversityhardshipobstaclestrugglecrisisresilience

Related Idioms & Phrases

weather the storm
ride out the storm
in the thick of it
through thick and thin
face adversity head-on
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