o en su defecto

USAGE NOTE
This idiom may be literally translated as "or in its defect."
o en su defecto
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
(idiom)
(or if that's not possible)
a. or failing that
La expedición tratará de cruzar la Antártida o, en su defecto, llegar hasta el Polo Sur.The expedition will try to cross Antarctica or, failing that, reach the South Pole.
b. or failing this
Los pacientes podrán someterse a la prueba en su centro de salud o, en su defecto, en el hospital más cercano.Patients can get tested at their health center or, failing this, at the nearest hospital.
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