An unexpected event or circumstance that causes delay or difficulty; a hitch or mishap that disrupts plans.
From Italian contra 'against' plus tempo 'time,' literally meaning 'against the time.' This term entered English via Italian, especially in music and theatrical contexts, to describe timing problems.
In dance and music, a contratempo literally means hitting the beat at the 'wrong' time, but dancers have learned to use this 'mistake' as an intentional, stylish element—turning a problem into art!
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