complex case

[/kəmˈplɛks keɪs/]
nounpl: complex cases
caso complexo
1. A situation, problem, or matter that is difficult to understand, analyze, or resolve due to multiple interrelated factors, legal complications, or circumstances
The detective realized this was a complex case with multiple suspects and conflicting evidence.
O detetive percebeu que era um caso complexo com múltiplos suspeitos e evidências conflitantes.
2. In law, a legal matter involving intricate procedural, factual, or jurisdictional issues
The lawyer took on the complex case involving international corporate fraud.
O advogado assumiu o caso complexo envolvendo fraude corporativa internacional.
3. In medicine or psychology, a patient case presenting with multiple symptoms, diagnoses, or comorbidities
The psychiatrist consulted with colleagues about the complex case involving trauma and addiction.
O psiquiatra consultou colegas sobre o caso complexo envolvendo trauma e dependência.
In both Brazilian and American legal/medical contexts, 'complex case' is a professional term used to indicate situations requiring specialized expertise, senior consultation, or extended resources. In Brazil, it's particularly common in legal proceedings and medical literature. The term carries connotations of importance and difficulty, often used to justify additional time, cost, or expert involvement.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
complicated caseintricate casedifficult caseconvoluted casemultifaceted case
Antonyms / Antônimos
simple casestraightforward caseuncomplicated caseclear-cut case

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caso complexo
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
caso complexo / caso complicado
Both terms are commonly used in legal and medical contexts
São Paulo
caso complexo
Preferred in business and legal environments
Portugal
caso complexo
Same usage as in Brazil; occasionally 'caso complicado' in informal speech

Related Words

complexitycomplicationlitigationinvestigationdiagnosisjurisdiction

Related Idioms & Phrases

a tough nut to crack
more than meets the eye
tangled web
a Pandora's box
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