improvised solutions

[/ɪmˈprɒvaɪzd səˈluːʃənz/]
noun phrase
soluções improvisadas
1. Quick, creative fixes or answers devised on the spot without prior planning or preparation
When the equipment broke down, the team came up with improvised solutions to keep the project moving forward.
Quando o equipamento quebrou, a equipe criou soluções improvisadas para manter o projeto em andamento.
2. Temporary or makeshift remedies that address immediate problems pragmatically
The manager relied on improvised solutions rather than following the standard protocol during the crisis.
O gerente recorreu a soluções improvisadas em vez de seguir o protocolo padrão durante a crise.
In Brazilian culture, improvised solutions (particularly 'gambiarras') are often viewed with a mix of pragmatism and humor. They reflect the Brazilian value of flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. This contrasts with more formal cultures that prioritize planned, documented procedures. The term is frequently used in both professional and everyday contexts, and there's often a cultural acceptance of these solutions as resourceful rather than inferior.
NYC Slang
quick and dirty fixes, ghetto solutions, hack jobs
Synonyms / Sinônimos
quick fixesmakeshift solutionsad hoc fixestemporary remediesexpedient measuresworkarounds
Antonyms / Antônimos
planned solutionspremeditated fixesstructured approachessystematic solutions

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
soluções improvisadas
Standard and most common usage
Brazil (colloquial)
gambiarras
Informal, very common in casual speech; literally means 'tricks' or 'clever fixes'
São Paulo
soluções na raça
Colloquial expression meaning solutions achieved through effort and improvisation
Portugal
soluções improvisadas
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; occasionally 'soluções de recurso'

Related Words

improviseimprovisationad hocexpedientworkaroundmakeshift

Related Idioms & Phrases

to make do with what you have
to wing it
to think on your feet
gambiarra (Brazilian)
jogo de cintura (Brazilian - 'flexibility game')
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →