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murky waters

[ˈmɜːrki ˈwɔːtərz]
noun phrase
águas turvas
1. A situation that is unclear, morally ambiguous, or involves deception and dishonesty
The company's financial dealings are in murky waters.
Os negócios financeiros da empresa estão em águas turvas.
2. Literally, water that is dark, unclear, or difficult to see through
The diver couldn't see much in the murky waters of the lake.
O mergulhador não conseguia ver muito nas águas turvas do lago.
NYC Slang
shady business / sketchy situation
Synonyms
troubled watersgray areashady dealingsunclear situationdubious circumstances
Antonyms
clear waterstransparent dealingscrystal clearstraightforward situation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
águas turvas
Most common translation, used in both literal and figurative contexts
São Paulo
águas turvas / situação nebulosa
Nebulosa also used for figurative meaning
Portugal
águas turvas / situação obscura
Obscura preferred in formal contexts for figurative meaning

Related Idioms & Phrases

in deep water
test the waters
come hell or high water
still waters run deep
fish in troubled waters
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