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concealed incompetence

[/kənˈsiːld ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/]
noun
incompetência dissimulada
1. The state of lacking skill, ability, or knowledge in a particular area while successfully hiding this deficiency from others through deception, bluffing, or manipulation
His concealed incompetence was finally exposed when he had to deliver the project himself.
Sua incompetência dissimulada foi finalmente exposta quando teve que entregar o projeto pessoalmente.
2. A situation where someone appears competent but actually lacks the necessary expertise or capability
The manager's concealed incompetence led to several failed initiatives.
A incompetência dissimulada do gerente resultou em várias iniciativas fracassadas.
NYC Slang
all hat, no cattle; smoke and mirrors
Synonyms
hidden incompetencemasked incompetencefake competencefraudulent expertise
Antonyms
genuine competencetransparent abilityauthentic expertisedemonstrated skill

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
incompetência dissimulada
Most common usage in Brazil
São Paulo
incompetência enrustida
Alternative colloquial term
Portugal
incompetência ocultada
Preferred in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

barking up the wrong tree
all talk and no action
fake it till you make it
wearing a false face
charlatanry
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