unexpected wait
[/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd weɪt/]
noun phrasepl: unexpected waits
espera inesperada
1. A period of time spent waiting for something that was not anticipated or planned for
We encountered an unexpected wait at the airport due to a flight delay.
Encontramos uma espera inesperada no aeroporto devido a um atraso no voo.
2. An unplanned delay in service, process, or event
The restaurant's new ordering system caused an unexpected wait for customers.
O novo sistema de pedidos do restaurante causou uma espera inesperada para os clientes.
In Brazil, unexpected waits are common in service sectors (restaurants, banks, public services) and are often discussed colloquially with expressions of frustration. In the USA, particularly in NYC, unexpected waits are frequent in transportation (subway, traffic) and service areas, and are acknowledged as part of urban life. The phrase reflects cultural attitudes toward time management and service efficiency in both regions.
NYC Slang
surprise wait; unexpected hold-up
Related Idioms & Phrases
caught in an unexpected wait
unexpected wait caught us off guard
stuck with an unexpected wait
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