unforeseen complication
[/ˌʌnfɔːrˈsiːn ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən/]
noun phrasefemininepl: unforeseen complications / complicações imprevistas
complicação imprevista
1. An unexpected difficulty or problem that arises and makes a situation more complex or troublesome than originally anticipated
The surgery went well until an unforeseen complication arose during recovery.
A cirurgia correu bem até que uma complicação imprevista surgisse durante a recuperação.
2. An unanticipated obstacle or setback that interferes with planned outcomes or timelines
Due to an unforeseen complication, the project deadline had to be extended by two weeks.
Devido a uma complicação imprevista, o prazo do projeto teve de ser prorrogado por duas semanas.
This phrase is commonly used in both Brazilian and American English in professional, medical, and project management contexts. In Brazil, it's frequently encountered in business discussions and healthcare settings. The Portuguese translation 'complicação imprevista' is standard across all Portuguese-speaking regions, though Brazilians may sometimes use the more colloquial 'dor de cabeça' (literally 'headache') to describe minor unforeseen complications in casual conversation.
NYC Slang
curveball / wrench in the works
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