long way around

[/lɔːŋ weɪ əˈraʊnd/]

noun phrase

volta longa

1. A route or path that takes considerably more distance or time than the most direct route

We had to take the long way around because the main road was closed.

Tivemos que dar a volta longa porque a estrada principal estava fechada.

2. An indirect or complicated method of accomplishing something

He did it the long way around instead of using the shortcut.

Ele fez isso da forma mais complicada em vez de usar o atalho.

3. A roundabout or circuitous way of saying or doing something

Why go the long way around when you can just tell her the truth directly?

Por que dar uma volta longa quando você pode simplesmente dizer a verdade diretamente?

NYC Slang

taking the scenic route

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

volta longa; o caminho mais longo

Most common usage

Rio de Janeiro

volta longa; rodeio

Both forms used interchangeably

São Paulo

volta longa; ida mais comprida

Practical, direct terminology

Portugal

volta longa; caminho mais comprido; rodeio

All three expressions are acceptable

go around the houses

beat around the bush

take a detour

the scenic route

the hard way

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