unexplained delay

[/ˌʌnɪkˈspleɪnd dɪˈleɪ/]
noun phrasepl: unexplained delays
atraso inexplicável
1. A postponement or lag in time that lacks a clear, stated, or known reason or justification
The flight experienced an unexplained delay of three hours.
O voo sofreu um atraso inexplicável de três horas.
2. A gap in progress or completion of a task, event, or process without transparent explanation
There was an unexplained delay in processing the visa application.
Houve um atraso inexplicável no processamento do pedido de visto.
In Brazilian business culture, unexplained delays are often attributed to 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility) or systemic inefficiencies. In the USA, they tend to prompt immediate complaints and compensation requests. The term is frequently used in customer service, transportation, and government administration contexts in both countries.
NYC Slang
mystery hold-up
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unexplained postponementmysterious delayunaccounted delayunjustified delayinexplicable holdup
Antonyms / Antônimos
explained delayjustified delaypunctual arrivalon-time performance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
atraso inexplicável
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
atraso sem motivo
Common alternative phrasing in business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
atraso intrigante
Colloquial variation emphasizing mystery
Portugal
atraso sem explicação
Preferred phrasing in European Portuguese

Related Words

delaypostponementhold-upsetbackdisruptioninconvenience

Related Idioms & Phrases

left in the lurch
kept in the dark
no rhyme or reason
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