only solution

[ˈoʊnli səˈluːʃən]
noun phrasepl: only solutions
única solução
1. the single or sole option available to resolve a problem; the one viable answer when alternatives do not exist or are not acceptable
After exploring all possibilities, moving to a new city was the only solution to their financial crisis.
Depois de explorar todas as possibilidades, mudar-se para uma nova cidade era a única solução para sua crise financeira.
2. a necessary course of action when no other options are feasible or practical
Selling the house became the only solution to pay off the mounting debts.
Vender a casa tornou-se a única solução para pagar as dívidas crescentes.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese when discussing business decisions, personal crises, or pragmatic problem-solving. In Brazil, it often appears in formal contexts such as corporate meetings and legal matters, emphasizing the exhaustion of alternatives before reaching this point.
NYC Slang
the only way out; the one move
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sole optiononly optionlast resortonly wayonly alternative
Antonyms / Antônimos
multiple solutionsvarious optionsmany alternativesseveral possibilities

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
única solução
Standard and widely used across all Brazilian regions
Rio de Janeiro
a única solução
Often used with definite article for emphasis
São Paulo
única solução
Business and formal contexts commonly employ this phrase
Portugal
única solução
Identical usage; standard European Portuguese equivalent

Related Words

solutionproblem-solvingalternativeresolutionremedyfixway out

Related Idioms & Phrases

there's no other way
it's either this or nothing
take it or leave it
have no choice but
be backed into a corner
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