colcha de retalhos
1. a piece of cloth or garment made by sewing together small pieces of different fabrics, colors, or patterns
The quilt was a beautiful patchwork of different colored fabrics.
O edredom era uma bela colcha de retalhos feita com tecidos de cores diferentes.
2. something made up of many different parts, elements, or styles combined together in a way that may seem disjointed or lacking unity
The city's architecture is a patchwork of old colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers.
A arquitetura da cidade é um mosaico de edifícios coloniais antigos e arranha-céus modernos.
3. a confused or disorganized combination of different things
The laws across different states form a patchwork of regulations.
As leis entre diferentes estados formam um conjunto confuso de regulamentações.
In Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries, 'colcha de retalhos' is a traditional craft with deep cultural roots, often associated with quilting bees and family gatherings. The term is frequently used metaphorically to describe the diverse and sometimes chaotic nature of Brazilian society, politics, and urban landscapes. In American English, 'patchwork' is commonly used in discussions about healthcare systems, legal frameworks, and cultural diversity.
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