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harsh reality

[/hɑːrʃ riˈæləti/]
noun phrasepl: harsh realities
realidade dura
1. A difficult, unpleasant, or unwelcome truth that must be faced or accepted
The harsh reality is that not everyone can afford higher education.
A realidade dura é que nem todos podem pagar pelo ensino superior.
2. A situation or circumstance that is severe, difficult, or painful to confront
She had to face the harsh reality of losing her job.
Ela teve que enfrentar a realidade dura de perder seu emprego.
Synonyms
bitter truthcold hard factunpleasant truthstark realitytough reality
Antonyms
pleasant fictioncomforting illusionwishful thinking

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
realidade dura
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
realidade dura / realidade crua
Both variations used interchangeably
São Paulo
realidade dura
Standard usage in formal contexts
Portugal
realidade dura / verdade dura
Both used; 'verdade dura' slightly more common in Portugal

Related Idioms & Phrases

face the harsh reality
confront the harsh reality
wake up to the harsh reality
the cold hard truth
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