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only alternative

[ˈoʊnli ɔːlˈtɜrnətɪv]
noun phrasepl: only alternatives
única alternativa
1. The sole option or choice available when other possibilities have been eliminated or are unavailable
Surgery is the only alternative left to treat this condition.
A cirurgia é a única alternativa restante para tratar esta condição.
2. A situation where there is no other viable choice or option
Given the circumstances, accepting the job offer was the only alternative.
Dadas as circunstâncias, aceitar a oferta de emprego era a única alternativa.
NYC Slang
only shot / only play
Synonyms
sole optiononly choicelast resortonly way outno other option
Antonyms
multiple alternativesmany optionsvarious choicesseveral possibilities

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
única alternativa
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
única alternativa / única opção
Both forms commonly used
Portugal
única alternativa / única opção
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

have no choice but to
be left with no option
the last resort
backed into a corner
no way around it
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