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obscure way

[/əbˈskjʊr weɪ/]
noun phrasepl: obscure ways
caminho obscuro / forma obscura
1. A method, path, or manner that is not clear, well-known, or easy to understand; an indirect or mysterious route or process
The ancient civilization disappeared in an obscure way that historians still debate.
A civilização antiga desapareceu de uma forma obscura que os historiadores ainda debatem.
2. A route or passage that is dark, hidden, or difficult to see
They found the treasure through an obscure way hidden behind the old paintings.
Eles encontraram o tesouro por um caminho obscuro escondido atrás dos quadros antigos.
Synonyms
unclear methodhidden pathmysterious routeindirect wayroundabout mannercryptic method
Antonyms
clear wayobvious pathdirect routewell-known methodtransparent way

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caminho obscuro / forma obscura
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
jeito obscuro / forma obscura
Emphasis on 'jeito' (way/manner) is common in colloquial speech
Rio de Janeiro
forma meio obscura
Colloquial addition of 'meio' (kind of) is typical
Portugal
caminho obscuro / maneira obscura
Preference for 'maneira' (manner) over 'forma' in formal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

in a roundabout way
beat around the bush
go around in circles
take the long way around
through the back door
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