capricious ground
[kə-ˈpri-shəs ˈɡraund]
noun phrasepl: capricious grounds
terreno caprichoso; fundamento caprichoso
1. Unstable, unpredictable, or unreliable basis for a decision, argument, or action; ground that shifts without consistency or logic
The judge ruled that the defendant's alibi was based on capricious ground and therefore inadmissible.
O juiz decidiu que o álibi do réu estava baseado em fundamento caprichoso e, portanto, inadmissível.
2. In geology or construction, soil or terrain that is unstable or prone to sudden changes in composition or bearing capacity
Building on capricious ground required extensive soil testing and reinforcement.
Construir em terreno caprichoso exigiu testes de solo extensivos e reforço.
3. A whimsical or arbitrary foundation lacking rational justification; something based on sudden changes of mood or opinion
Her decision to leave was made on capricious ground rather than careful planning.
Sua decisão de sair foi feita com base em caprichos ao invés de um planejamento cuidadoso.
This phrase is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts in both Brazilian Portuguese and English. In legal proceedings, 'capricious ground' is used to challenge the validity of arguments or evidence. In construction and geology, it describes problematic soil conditions that require special engineering solutions. The figurative sense emphasizes arbitrary decision-making, which is particularly relevant in business and administrative contexts in Brazil.
NYC Slang
shaky ground; flimsy reasoning
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →