improbable candidates

[ɪmˈprɑbəbəl ˈkændɪdeɪts]
noun phrase
candidatos improváveis
1. individuals who are unlikely or unexpected to run for office or be selected for a position due to their background, qualifications, or circumstances
The improbable candidates emerged from outside the traditional political establishment.
Os candidatos improváveis surgiram de fora do establishment político tradicional.
2. people whose chances of winning or succeeding are considered remote or low based on conventional expectations
Despite being improbable candidates, they gained significant support from voters.
Apesar de serem candidatos improváveis, ganharam apoio significativo dos eleitores.
This phrase became particularly prominent in American political discourse during the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections. In Brazil, similar terminology is used during electoral campaigns to describe candidates outside traditional party hierarchies or without established political credentials. The term reflects contemporary democratic trends where voters increasingly support candidates perceived as authentic outsiders challenging established political systems.
NYC Slang
long shots, dark horses, underdogs
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unlikely candidatesunconventional candidatesunexpected contendersdark horses
Antonyms / Antônimos
probable candidateslikely candidatesfrontrunnersmainstream candidates

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
candidatos improváveis
standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese media and political discourse
Rio de Janeiro
candidatos improváveis / outsiders
colloquial use of English term 'outsiders' is common in Rio's political conversations
São Paulo
candidatos improváveis
formal usage in business and political contexts
Portugal
candidatos improváveis
equivalent usage in European Portuguese political terminology

Related Words

candidateelectionimprobableoutsiderunderdogcontender

Related Idioms & Phrases

come out of left field
against all odds
a shot in the dark
up and coming
rising from obscurity
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