harsh demands

[hɑrʃ dɪˈmændz]
noun phrase
exigências rigorosas
1. severe, strict, or difficult requirements that are often unreasonable or difficult to meet
The employer made harsh demands on the workers regarding their schedule.
O empregador fez exigências rigorosas aos trabalhadores quanto ao seu horário.
2. stringent conditions or requests that are delivered in a severe or unkind manner
The creditors presented harsh demands for immediate payment.
Os credores apresentaram exigências rigorosas para pagamento imediato.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'harsh demands' reflects workplace negotiations, labor relations, and diplomatic discourse. In Brazil, the term is frequently used in discussions about employer-employee relationships and government policies. In the USA, it commonly appears in political and business negotiations. The phrase carries a tone of complaint or protest about unfairness.
NYC Slang
tough ask; hard ask; no-win situation
Synonyms / Sinônimos
strict demandssevere requirementsrigorous demandstough conditionsstringent requirements
Antonyms / Antônimos
lenient requestsgentle suggestionsmild requirementsreasonable demandsflexible conditions

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
exigências rigorosas
Most common and formal usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
exigências pesadas
Colloquial variant using 'pesadas' (heavy)
São Paulo
exigências duras
Common business and formal contexts
Portugal
exigências severas
Formal and literary preference for 'severas' over 'rigorosas'

Related Words

demandingdifficult requirementsstrict conditionsunreasonable expectationspressurecoercion

Related Idioms & Phrases

place harsh demands on someone
make harsh demands
face harsh demands
resist harsh demands
comply with harsh demands
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →