murky matter

[ˈmɜːrki ˈmætər]
noun phrasepl: murky matters
assunto obscuro
1. A situation, issue, or subject that is unclear, dubious, or involves hidden or shady dealings
The financial records revealed some murky matters that needed investigation.
Os registros financeiros revelaram alguns assuntos obscuros que precisavam de investigação.
2. A morally ambiguous or ethically questionable situation
There were murky matters surrounding the politician's past business dealings.
Havia assuntos obscuros envolvendo os negócios passados do político.
3. Something difficult to understand or explain clearly
The technical specifications contained some murky matters that confused the team.
As especificações técnicas continham alguns pontos obscuros que confundiram a equipe.
The phrase 'murky matter' is commonly used in English-speaking media, journalism, and legal contexts to describe situations involving corruption, fraud, or ethical ambiguity. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'assunto obscuro' carries similar weight and is frequently used in journalistic and formal contexts. The term reflects a concern with transparency and clarity in business and politics across both American and Brazilian cultures.
NYC Slang
sketchy business / shady stuff
Synonyms / Sinônimos
shady dealingsdubious matterobscure issueunclear situationquestionable businessfishy mattercomplicated affair
Antonyms / Antônimos
clear mattertransparent situationstraightforward issueobvious matter

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
assunto obscuro
Standard translation used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
coisa suja
More colloquial expression meaning 'dirty matter'
São Paulo
assunto nebuloso
More formal variation using 'nebuloso' (nebulous)
Portugal
assunto turvo
Portuguese variant using 'turvo' instead of 'obscuro'

Related Words

murkyobscureshadydubiousambiguousopacityshadiness

Related Idioms & Phrases

murky waters
in murky waters
wade through murky matters
stir up murky matters
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