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opposing steps

[/əˈpoʊzɪŋ stɛps/]
noun phrase
passos opostos / medidas contrárias
1. Actions or measures taken in direct contradiction or conflict with each other
The two countries took opposing steps to resolve the trade dispute.
Os dois países tomaram medidas contrárias para resolver a disputa comercial.
2. Physical movements in opposite directions, as in dance or martial arts
The dancers executed opposing steps in perfect synchronization.
Os dançarinos executaram passos opostos em perfeita sincronização.
Synonyms
contradictory measuresconflicting actionscontrary stepsdivergent measures
Antonyms
aligned stepscoordinated measuresunified actionscomplementary steps

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
passos opostos / medidas contrárias
Standard usage in business and political contexts
Portugal
passos opostos / medidas contrapostas
Slightly more formal usage; 'contrapostas' is preferred in academic contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

take opposing steps
in opposing directions
moving in opposing steps
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