betray values

[bɪˈtreɪ ˈvæljuːz]
verb phrase
trair valores
1. to act in a way that contradicts or abandons one's stated principles, beliefs, or moral standards
The politician betray values by accepting bribes despite campaigning on anti-corruption.
O político traiu valores ao aceitar subornos apesar de fazer campanha contra a corrupção.
2. to reveal or expose one's true character or beliefs as contrary to what was previously claimed
His decision to leave the organization betray values he had publicly championed for years.
Sua decisão de deixar a organização traiu valores que ele tinha defendido publicamente por anos.
3. to demonstrate through one's actions that one does not actually hold the principles one professes
When she voted against the environmental bill, she betray values she claimed to support.
Quando ela votou contra o projeto ambiental, ela traiu valores que afirmava apoiar.
This phrase is frequently used in both American and Brazilian contexts when discussing political scandals, corporate ethics, and personal integrity. In Brazil, discussions about 'trair valores' often emerge in contexts of social justice and corruption scandals. In the USA, it's commonly invoked in political discourse and debates about authentic leadership. The concept carries significant moral weight in both cultures and is often used rhetorically to call out perceived hypocrisy.
NYC Slang
sell out / throw your principles away
Synonyms / Sinônimos
abandon principlesviolate principlesgo against valuescompromise ethicssell outrenounce beliefscontradict oneself
Antonyms / Antônimos
uphold valueshonor principlesmaintain integritystay true to valueslive by one's principlesdefend values

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
trair valores
Most common and widely understood throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
trair os valores / dar um jeito nos valores
Informal variation used in casual speech
São Paulo
trair valores / desrespeitar princípios
More formal business and professional contexts
Portugal
trair valores / violar princípios
Similar usage but may emphasize 'violar' more in formal contexts

Related Words

integrityprinciplesethicsmoral standardsbetrayalhypocrisyconsistencyauthenticity

Related Idioms & Phrases

betray one's conscience
go back on one's word
stab in the back
sell one's soul
compromise one's principles
turn one's back on
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