slow-burning fuse
[/sloʊ ˈbɜrnɪŋ fjuːz/]
nounpl: slow-burning fuses
pavio de queima lenta
1. A literal fuse designed to burn slowly before detonating an explosive device
The demolition team used a slow-burning fuse to give workers time to evacuate the building.
A equipe de demolição usou um pavio de queima lenta para dar tempo aos trabalhadores evacuarem o prédio.
2. A metaphorical expression for a situation or conflict that develops gradually over time, building tension before reaching a critical point
The slow-burning fuse of resentment between the two nations finally exploded into war.
O pavio de queima lenta do ressentimento entre as duas nações finalmente explodiu em guerra.
3. A gradual development of tension, anger, or crisis that may eventually lead to a significant event or confrontation
Their marriage had been a slow-burning fuse for years before it finally ended in divorce.
O casamento deles tinha sido um pavio de queima lenta durante anos antes de finalmente terminar em divórcio.
This phrase is commonly used in both English-speaking and Brazilian Portuguese contexts to describe geopolitical conflicts, workplace tensions, or personal relationships that develop gradually. In American media and political discourse, it frequently describes international conflicts or social tensions. In Brazil, it's equally used in journalism, literature, and everyday conversation to describe situations ranging from economic crises to interpersonal conflicts. The metaphor is particularly powerful because it implies inevitability and the need for preventive action.
NYC Slang
time bomb, powder keg situation
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →