isolated instance
[ˈaɪ.sə.leɪ.tɪd ˈɪn.stəns]
nounpl: isolated instances
caso isolado
1. a single occurrence or example of something that stands alone and is not part of a pattern or regular occurrence
The mistake was just an isolated instance and does not reflect the quality of our work.
O erro foi apenas um caso isolado e não reflete a qualidade do nosso trabalho.
2. a rare or exceptional event that happens independently without connection to other similar events
We treat this as an isolated instance rather than a systemic problem.
Tratamos isso como um caso isolado e não como um problema sistêmico.
The phrase 'isolated instance' is commonly used in both American and Brazilian professional contexts to distance organizations from accountability or to minimize negative events. In Brazil, using 'caso isolado' signals that a problem is exceptional rather than systemic, which is frequently used in corporate communications and government statements. The expression carries similar weight in both cultures when addressing criticism or failures.
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