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falter in closing stages

[ˈfɔːltər ɪn ˈkləʊzɪŋ ˈsteɪdʒɪz]
verb phrase
vacilar nos estágios finais
1. to lose momentum, confidence, or effectiveness toward the end of a competition, performance, or process
The runner faltered in closing stages of the marathon, losing her lead in the final kilometers.
A corredora vacilou nos estágios finais da maratona, perdendo sua liderança nos últimos quilômetros.
2. to weaken or show signs of failure as something approaches its conclusion
The team's performance faltered in closing stages of the season.
O desempenho do time vacilou nos estágios finais da temporada.
NYC Slang
choke in the clutch; lose it at the end
Synonyms
lose momentumweakenstruggle at the endfade in the final stretchstumble toward the finish
Antonyms
finish strongaccelerate toward the endmaintain momentumstrengthen in the final stages

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vacilar nos estágios finais; desistir na reta final
Common in sports commentary
São Paulo
fraquear no final; perder gás no final
Colloquial usage in competitive contexts
Portugal
vacilar na reta final; perder força no final
Standard usage in sports and formal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

falter in the home stretch
lose steam toward the finish
stumble at the finish line
weaken when it matters most
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