concealed problem

[kənˈsiːld ˈprɒbləm]
nounpl: concealed problems
problema oculto
1. An issue or difficulty that is hidden, not immediately visible, or deliberately kept secret
The concealed problem with the software only became apparent after months of use.
O problema oculto do software só se tornou aparente após meses de uso.
2. A latent issue that exists but has not yet been discovered or addressed
The inspection revealed several concealed problems in the building's foundation.
A inspeção revelou vários problemas ocultos na fundação do edifício.
3. An underlying difficulty that someone chooses not to disclose or acknowledge
Their relationship had a concealed problem that finally surfaced during counseling.
Seu relacionamento tinha um problema oculto que finalmente veio à tona durante o aconselhamento.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'concealed problem' is frequently used in business, construction, medicine, and relationships to describe issues that may pose risks if not addressed. In Brazil, it's common in real estate transactions and product quality discussions. In the USA, it's prevalent in legal disputes and consumer protection discourse.
NYC Slang
a sleeper issue; a ticking time bomb
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hidden problemlatent issueunderlying difficultyundetected flawsuppressed problemdormant issue
Antonyms / Antônimos
obvious problemapparent issuevisible difficultydisclosed problem

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
problema oculto
most common formal usage
General Brazilian
problema escondido
more informal variant
São Paulo
problema latente
technical/academic usage
Portugal
problema encoberto
European Portuguese variant

Related Words

hidden defectunderlying causestructural weaknessundisclosed issuelatent defecttime bomb

Related Idioms & Phrases

a skeleton in the closet
a hidden agenda
sweep it under the rug
the tip of the iceberg
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