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shaky beginning

[/ˈʃeɪki bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/]
noun phrasepl: shaky beginnings
começo incerto
1. An uncertain, unstable, or problematic start to something, characterized by lack of confidence, instability, or difficulties
The new business had a shaky beginning, but eventually became successful.
O novo negócio teve um começo incerto, mas eventualmente se tornou bem-sucedido.
2. A start that lacks a solid foundation or shows signs of weakness from the outset
Their relationship got off to a shaky beginning due to miscommunication.
Seu relacionamento teve um começo vacilante devido a mal-entendidos.
Synonyms
uncertain startrocky beginningrough startinauspicious beginningfaltering start
Antonyms
solid beginningstrong startpromising beginningauspicious beginning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
começo incerto
Most common usage in Brazil
General Brazilian
início instável
Alternative, more formal term
Portugal
princípio incerto
Common in European Portuguese
Portugal
início hesitante
Alternative Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

get off on the wrong foot
start on a sour note
a rocky road
hit the ground running (antonym context)
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