fleeting source

[ˈfliːtɪŋ ˈsɔːrs]
noun phrasepl: fleeting sources
fonte fugaz / fonte efêmera
1. A source of information, supply, or origin that is temporary, brief, or difficult to maintain or locate again
The witness account proved to be a fleeting source of information that disappeared before the investigation was complete.
O relato da testemunha se mostrou uma fonte fugaz de informação que desapareceu antes da investigação ser concluída.
2. A brief or momentary origin of something that is not sustained or permanent
Social media trends are often just a fleeting source of entertainment.
As tendências das redes sociais frequentemente são apenas uma fonte efêmera de entretenimento.
3. In academic or journalistic contexts, a source that is unreliable because it cannot be verified or revisited
Oral histories can sometimes be a fleeting source if not properly documented.
As histórias orais podem ser uma fonte fugaz se não forem adequadamente documentadas.
This phrase is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and research contexts in both Brazilian and American English to describe unreliable or temporary sources of information. In Brazil, it's frequently used in media criticism and academic discussions about source verification. In the USA, it's often employed in journalism ethics discussions and academic research methodology.
NYC Slang
a one-hit wonder / a flash in the pan
Synonyms / Sinônimos
transient sourceephemeral sourcetemporary sourcebrief sourcemomentary source
Antonyms / Antônimos
permanent sourcereliable sourceenduring sourcestable sourcelasting source

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
fonte fugaz / fonte efêmera / fonte passageira
All three terms are commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese academic and journalistic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
fonte passageira
Slightly more colloquial usage in Rio dialect
São Paulo
fonte fugaz
Preferred in formal and academic writing in São Paulo
Portugal
fonte fugidia / origem efémera
Portuguese uses 'fugidia' more frequently and spells 'efémera' with accent mark

Related Words

fleetingephemeraltransientsourcetemporarybrevityevanescent

Related Idioms & Phrases

here today, gone tomorrow
a flash in the pan
a fleeting moment
passing fancy
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