half-way solution

[/ˈhæf.weɪ səˈluː.ʃən/]
nounpl: half-way solutions
solução de meio termo
1. a compromise solution that partially addresses a problem but does not fully resolve it; a measure that is incomplete or inadequate
The government's proposal was criticized as a half-way solution that would not adequately address the housing crisis.
A proposta do governo foi criticada como uma solução de meio termo que não abordaria adequadamente a crise habitacional.
2. an agreement or resolution that satisfies neither party completely, attempting to balance conflicting interests
The contract represented a half-way solution between the employer's demands and the workers' expectations.
O contrato representava uma solução de meio termo entre as exigências do empregador e as expectativas dos trabalhadores.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian English to criticize political, business, or interpersonal solutions that lack courage or commitment. In Brazil, 'solução meia-boca' is a more colloquial equivalent with a slightly dismissive tone. The concept reflects cultural values around the importance of decisive action and complete problem-solving rather than accepting compromise positions.
NYC Slang
band-aid fix, quick fix that doesn't cut it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
compromise solutionpartial solutionmakeshift solutionmiddle groundband-aid solutionstopgap measure
Antonyms / Antônimos
complete solutioncomprehensive solutiontotal solutiondefinitive solutionradical solution

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
solução de meio termo
most common and widely understood translation
General Brazilian
solução parcial
alternative translation emphasizing the incomplete nature
São Paulo
solução meia-boca
informal/colloquial usage meaning an inadequate solution
Portugal
solução a meio
Portuguese variant with slightly different word order

Related Words

compromisemiddle groundstopgapinterim measuretemporary fixincomplete

Related Idioms & Phrases

split the difference
meet halfway
a foot in both camps
have one foot in each camp
neither fish nor fowl
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →