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fail to launch

[/feɪl tu ˈlɔːntʃ/]
verb phrase
falhar em decolar; não conseguir começar
1. To be unable to start or begin something successfully, particularly a project, career, or relationship
The startup failed to launch due to lack of funding.
A startup falhou em decolar devido à falta de financiamento.
2. To be unable to take off or become airborne (literal, for aircraft)
The rocket failed to launch because of technical problems.
O foguete falhou em decolar devido a problemas técnicos.
3. Colloquial: To struggle with adulting or achieving independence, particularly regarding employment or moving out
He's 35 and still living with his parents; he really failed to launch.
Ele tem 35 anos e ainda mora com os pais; ele realmente não conseguiu sair do ninho.
NYC Slang
can't get off the ground; stuck in mom's basement
Synonyms
fall shortmisfireabortnot take offflop
Antonyms
succeedlaunch successfullytake offget started

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falhar em decolar; não conseguir começar
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
não sair do chão
Colloquial expression meaning to not get off the ground
Rio de Janeiro
não engrenar
Informal term meaning to not engage or start properly
Portugal
não conseguir arrancar; falhar na descolagem
More formal usage; 'arrancar' used for metaphorical starting

Related Idioms & Phrases

fail to get off the ground
never take off
fall flat
come to nothing
not leave the launchpad
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