← Back to Fala2Me

convoluted steps

[kən-ˈväl-yə-ˌtəd steps]
noun phrase
passos convolutos
1. A series of complicated, twisting, or winding movements or procedures that are difficult to follow or understand
The bureaucratic process required convoluted steps to complete the application.
O processo burocrático exigia passos convolutos para completar a inscrição.
2. Literal: twisted or spiral-shaped steps or staircase movements
The spiral staircase had convoluted steps that made climbing difficult.
A escada em espiral tinha passos convolutos que tornavam a subida difícil.
Synonyms
complicated stepsintricate stepswinding stepslabyrinthine stepstortuous steps
Antonyms
straightforward stepssimple stepsdirect stepsclear steps

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
passos convolutos
Standard term used across Brazil
São Paulo
passos complicados
Alternative with 'complicados' is common in business contexts
Portugal
passos convolutos
Same as standard Portuguese; 'passos sinuosos' also used for literal winding steps

Related Idioms & Phrases

go through hoops
jump through hoops
cut through the red tape
navigate a maze
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →