daunting undertaking

[ˈdɔːntɪŋ ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ]
noun phrasepl: daunting undertakings
empreendimento intimidador
1. a task, project, or responsibility that seems difficult, challenging, or overwhelming and likely to cause fear or discouragement
Moving to a new country is a daunting undertaking for most people.
Mudar-se para um novo país é um empreendimento intimidador para a maioria das pessoas.
2. an ambitious or complex endeavor that requires significant effort, resources, or courage to complete
Starting a business from scratch is a daunting undertaking that requires careful planning.
Começar um negócio do zero é um empreendimento intimidador que requer planejamento cuidadoso.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian English to describe ambitious goals or challenging projects. In Brazil, it's frequently heard in business contexts and when discussing personal growth or emigration. Americans often use it when discussing career changes, educational pursuits, or major life decisions. The concept reflects cultural values of ambition and perseverance in both societies.
NYC Slang
a heavy lift; a tall order
Synonyms / Sinônimos
challenging taskformidable challengedifficult endeavorintimidating projectuphill battle
Antonyms / Antônimos
simple taskeasy undertakingstraightforward projectmanageable task

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
empreendimento intimidador
Standard translation used throughout Brazil
Brazil
tarefa assustadora
Alternative, more colloquial form emphasizing the fear aspect
Brazil
desafio imenso
More formal alternative emphasizing the magnitude of the challenge
Portugal
empreendimento intimidante
European Portuguese variant using 'intimidante' instead of 'intimidador'

Related Words

dauntingundertakingchallengeintimidatingformidablearduous

Related Idioms & Phrases

bite off more than you can chew
take on a challenge
face the music
tackle a tough job
up the ante
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