chance perdido
Lemma: chance perdido
Translation: missed opportunity; lost chance; wasted opportunity (phrase)
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'chance' (a loanword from French meaning 'opportunity' or 'luck') with 'perdido' (the past participle of 'perder', meaning 'to lose'). The French word 'chance' ultimately comes from Latin 'cadentia' meaning 'falling' (as in dice). 'Perder' derives from Latin 'perdere' (to lose, waste, destroy), which is related to English words like 'perdition'.
Example Usage
El equipo tuvo un chance perdido cuando falló el penalti en el último minuto.
The team had a missed opportunity when they failed the penalty kick in the last minute.
No quiero que nuestra relación sea un chance perdido por falta de comunicación.
I don't want our relationship to be a lost chance due to lack of communication.
La inversión representaba un chance perdido que ahora lamentamos.
The investment represented a missed opportunity that we now regret.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chance' as similar to the English word 'chance', and 'perdido' sounds like 'perdition' which implies something lost.
- Imagine a person letting a winning lottery ticket blow away in the wind - a literal 'lost chance'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in business contexts, sports commentary, and everyday conversation when discussing regrets or reflecting on past decisions. It's often used when analyzing what could have been if different actions had been taken.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'chance perdido' and 'oportunidad perdida' are synonymous, 'chance' is a loanword whereas 'oportunidad' is a native Spanish word. 'Chance perdido' might be slightly more colloquial in some regions.
This word:
Fue un chance perdido para demostrar su talento.
It was a missed chance to demonstrate his talent.
Confused word:
Fue una oportunidad perdida para demostrar su talento.
It was a missed opportunity to demonstrate his talent.
Notes: In some Spanish-speaking regions, 'chance' is more commonly used than in others. In formal writing, 'oportunidad perdida' might be preferred.
Mnemonic: 'Chance' sounds more casual and quick, like something that comes and goes quickly, while 'oportunidad' sounds more formal and substantial.