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unforeseen setback
[/ˌʌnfɔːrˈsiːn ˈsetbæk/]
noun
pl: unforeseen setbacks
contratempo inesperado
1.
An unexpected or unanticipated problem or reversal that delays progress or causes failure
The project faced an unforeseen setback when the main supplier went out of business.
O projeto enfrentou um contratempo inesperado quando o fornecedor principal faliu.
2.
A sudden and surprising difficulty or obstacle that was not anticipated
Despite careful planning, an unforeseen setback in funding delayed the launch.
Apesar do planejamento cuidadoso, um contratempo inesperado no financiamento atrasou o lançamento.
NYC Slang
curveball (unexpected problem); plot twist (unexpected development)
Synonyms
unexpected difficulty
surprise obstacle
surprise problem
unanticipated delay
sudden reversal
Antonyms
expected progress
anticipated success
foreseen advantage
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
contratempo inesperado
Most common usage in Brazil
São Paulo
imprevisto
Shorter, more colloquial alternative
Rio de Janeiro
contratempo de última hora
Emphasis on timing of the setback
Portugal
contratempo imprevisto
Slightly more formal usage in European Portuguese
Related Idioms & Phrases
a wrench in the works
a spanner in the works
hit a snag
thrown for a loop
caught off guard
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