passing worry

[ˈpæsɪŋ ˈwɜri]
noun phrasepl: passing worries
preocupação passageira
1. A temporary or fleeting concern that does not last long or cause lasting distress
The delay in the flight was just a passing worry; we arrived on time anyway.
O atraso do voo foi apenas uma preocupação passageira; chegamos a tempo mesmo assim.
2. A brief moment of anxiety that quickly dissipates without significant impact
His financial worries proved to be just a passing worry after he got the promotion.
Suas preocupações financeiras acabaram sendo apenas uma preocupação passageira após conseguir a promoção.
In Brazilian culture, this phrase is often used to minimize concerns or reassure others. Americans and Brazilians alike use it to distinguish between serious, ongoing problems and minor, temporary anxieties. It reflects a pragmatic approach to emotional expression in both cultures.
NYC Slang
no biggie or not a big deal (informal equivalent expressing similar dismissal)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fleeting concernmomentary anxietytemporary uneasebrief apprehensiontransient worry
Antonyms / Antônimos
persistent worrychronic anxietyenduring concernlasting preoccupation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
preocupação passageira
Standard translation used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
uma preocupação de nada
Colloquial expression meaning a worry about nothing
São Paulo
preocupação momentânea
Alternative term emphasizing the momentary nature
Portugal
preocupação passageira
Same as Brazilian Portuguese but may be used less frequently in everyday speech

Related Words

anxietyconcernapprehensionuneasetemporaryfleeting

Related Idioms & Phrases

not worth losing sleep over
a storm in a teacup
much ado about nothing
here today, gone tomorrow
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