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treacherous territory

[ˈtreʃərəs ˈterətɔːri]
noun phrasepl: treacherous territories
território traiçoeiro
1. An area or domain that is dangerous, unreliable, or full of hidden risks and deception
Negotiating with that company is treacherous territory; they have a history of breaking agreements.
Negociar com essa empresa é um território traiçoeiro; eles têm um histórico de quebrar acordos.
2. A physical location characterized by hazardous conditions, unstable ground, or difficult terrain
The mountain pass was treacherous territory during winter storms.
A passagem montanhosa era um território traiçoeiro durante tempestades de inverno.
3. A subject matter, situation, or context that is controversial, sensitive, or prone to misunderstanding
Politics at the dinner table is treacherous territory for this family.
Política à mesa de jantar é um território traiçoeiro para essa família.
NYC Slang
sticky wicket; dicey situation; hot potato
Synonyms
dangerous groundminefieldhazardous areatricky situationrisky domain
Antonyms
safe groundsecure territorysolid groundstable area

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
território traiçoeiro
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
terreno perigoso
Common colloquial alternative
São Paulo
território perigoso
Slightly more formal variant
Portugal
território traiçoeiro
Formal and literary usage; 'terreno minado' also common

Related Idioms & Phrases

tread carefully
walk on eggshells
play with fire
dance on thin ice
minefield of issues
choppy waters
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