Evitado

Evitado is a Spanish and Portuguese adjective, primarily used in the context of bullfighting, referring to a bull or cow that has demonstrated skill, cunning, or courage in the arena, often displaying evasive tactics to avoid the matador's attempts to kill it. More broadly, it describes something, a situation, or even a person that skillfully evades or avoids something, such as danger, a difficult task, or capture. It suggests an intelligent or strategic avoidance, implying a level of awareness and resourcefulness. The term can carry positive connotations, highlighting cleverness and survival, or negative ones depending on the context, potentially suggesting cowardice or a reluctance to engage.

Evitado meaning with examples

• The experienced matador faced an evitado bull. Its quick dodges and strategic retreats made it nearly impossible to strike, constantly frustrating the matador's efforts, forcing him to adapt his tactics or face potential injury. The crowd, initially expecting a swift kill, grew increasingly impressed with the bull’s cunning and resilience, shouting their appreciation for the animal’s evasive prowess. The extended struggle built anticipation.
• The negotiator found himself in a delicate situation, facing an evitado response from the board members. They skillfully dodged his key questions, offering vague answers and changing the topic repeatedly. He realised they were trying to avoid a direct commitment, skillfully buying themselves time before rendering a final decision, which left the negotiator feeling uncertain and frustrated with the lack of resolution.
• In her youth, she'd played chess with an evitado style. She would avoid any unnecessary attacks, slowly building up her defense while anticipating her opponent’s moves, and then patiently launch an unexpected attack, catching them off guard. Her careful strategic avoidance eventually secured a victory in several tournaments. Her opponents often underestimated her, only to discover that she was a shrewd and patient tactician.
• The detective was pursuing a criminal who'd perfected the art of being evitado. Every attempt to corner or capture the suspect was met with elaborate diversions and clever escape plans. The evasive tactics, a testament to the criminal's intelligence, kept him out of custody for years. This challenge made the detective only more determined, eventually piecing together the clues required to reveal the hidden location where the fugitive lived.