hidden setback

[/ˈhɪdən ˈsetbæk/]
nounpl: hidden setbacks
revés oculto
1. An unexpected obstacle, failure, or difficulty that is not immediately visible or apparent, but becomes evident later and impedes progress
The company faced a hidden setback when the supplier suddenly went bankrupt.
A empresa enfrentou um revés oculto quando o fornecedor faliu repentinamente.
2. A concealed problem or disadvantage that undermines success or forward momentum in a project, relationship, or endeavor
Their marriage had a hidden setback in the form of unresolved communication issues.
O casamento deles teve um revés oculto na forma de problemas de comunicação não resolvidos.
In Brazilian business culture, discussing 'reveses ocultos' is common when analyzing market risks and project management. In American corporate contexts, this concept is often referenced when conducting risk assessments and due diligence. The term emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and transparency in both cultures.
NYC Slang
a curveball you didn't see coming
Synonyms / Sinônimos
concealed obstaclelatent problemunexpected impedimentunderlying difficultycovert challenge
Antonyms / Antônimos
obvious advantageclear opportunityapparent benefitvisible progress

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
revés oculto
Standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
problema escondido
More colloquial variant used in everyday speech
São Paulo
obstáculo velado
More formal, used in business contexts
Portugal
contratempo oculto
Portuguese preference for 'contratempo' rather than 'revés'

Related Words

setbackobstaclehindrancecomplicationunforeseen problemlatent issue

Related Idioms & Phrases

a fly in the ointment
a wrench in the works
skeletons in the closet
an iceberg with a hidden bottom
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