sleeping giant
[/ˈsliːpɪŋ ˈdʒaɪənt/]
nounpl: sleeping giants
gigante adormecido
1. a person, organization, or country with great potential that has not yet been fully developed or utilized
India is considered a sleeping giant in the global economy with massive growth potential.
A Índia é considerada um gigante adormecido na economia global com enorme potencial de crescimento.
2. someone or something that has been inactive or underperforming but is capable of sudden, dramatic improvement or impact
The team's new coach awakened the sleeping giant, and they won the championship.
O novo técnico do time despertou o gigante adormecido, e eles ganharam o campeonato.
This phrase is frequently used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe emerging economies (particularly India and China), underperforming sports teams, and companies with unrealized potential. In Brazil, it gained prominence during discussions of the country's own economic development. The metaphor appeals to both business and sports commentary cultures in both nations.
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