patch jobs

[/pætʃ dʒɑbz/]
nounpl: patch jobs
trabalhos improvisados; consertos temporários; gambiarras
1. Temporary or makeshift repairs made quickly without proper materials or methods
The contractor only did patch jobs instead of fixing the roof properly.
O contratante apenas fez consertos temporários em vez de consertar o telhado adequadamente.
2. Quick, superficial fixes to problems that don't address underlying issues
The IT department applied patch jobs to the software bugs rather than rewriting the code.
O departamento de TI aplicou gambiarras aos erros do software em vez de reescrever o código.
3. Repairs that are inadequate or insufficient, meant to last only a short time
These patch jobs on the old car won't last through the winter.
Estes consertos temporários no carro velho não vão durar até o inverno.
The term 'patch jobs' reflects a pragmatic approach common in both American and Brazilian cultures when dealing with urgent problems with limited resources. In Brazil, the term 'gambiarra' (improvised solution) carries a more culturally specific connotation of creative problem-solving, often with a humorous or resourceful undertone, whereas in the USA, 'patch jobs' typically carries a more negative connotation of inadequate or postponed proper repair work.
NYC Slang
quick n' dirty fixes; bodge job
Synonyms / Sinônimos
quick fixestemporary repairsband-aid solutionsmakeshift repairsstop-gap measures
Antonyms / Antônimos
permanent repairscomprehensive solutionsoverhaulscomplete renovations

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalhos improvisados; gambiarras; consertos temporários
Most common and widely understood across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
jogo de cintura; gambiarras
Often used colloquially in informal contexts
São Paulo
soluções paliativas; consertos de emergência
More formal business usage
Portugal
reparações temporárias; arranjos provisórios
Slightly more formal Portuguese Portuguese

Related Words

repairmaintenancefiximprovisationworkaroundbandagetemporary solution

Related Idioms & Phrases

band-aid solution
putting a band-aid on a bullet wound
stop-gap measure
temporary fix
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