let systems fail

[/lɛt ˈsɪstəmz feɪl/]
verb phrase
deixar os sistemas falharem
1. To allow infrastructure, organizations, or processes to collapse or stop functioning without intervention or support
The government decided to let systems fail rather than bail out the failing companies.
O governo decidiu deixar os sistemas falharem em vez de socorrer as empresas em dificuldades.
2. To permit a deliberate breakdown to force necessary reforms or restructuring
Some economists argue we should let systems fail to eliminate inefficiency.
Alguns economistas argumentam que devemos deixar os sistemas falharem para eliminar ineficiência.
3. To allow natural consequences to occur without artificial preservation or support
The manager chose to let systems fail to demonstrate the need for modernization.
O gerente escolheu deixar os sistemas falharem para demonstrar a necessidade de modernização.
This phrase reflects economic and political ideologies about market intervention. In Brazil and the USA, it's often used in discussions about government bailouts, corporate responsibility, and economic policy. The phrase gained prominence during financial crises when debates emerged about whether institutions should be rescued or allowed to fail naturally.
NYC Slang
let 'em crash
Synonyms / Sinônimos
allow collapsepermit breakdownenable failureabandon supportwithdraw intervention
Antonyms / Antônimos
support systemsmaintain infrastructureprovide assistanceintervenerescuebail out

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
deixar os sistemas falharem
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
deixar os sistemas caírem
Alternative phrasing using 'cair' (fall) instead of 'falhar'
São Paulo
deixar os sistemas fracassarem
More formal business context usage
Portugal
deixar os sistemas falhar
Slightly different word order; singular form more common

Related Words

system failureinfrastructure collapsemarket correctionlaissez-fairecreative destructioninterventionbailout

Related Idioms & Phrases

let the chips fall where they may
survival of the fittest
no safety net
sink or swim
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →