convoluted text
[kən-ˈväl-ə-ˌtəd tekst]
noun phrasepl: convoluted texts
texto convoluído
1. written or printed material that is excessively complex, complicated, or difficult to understand due to intricate or unnecessary complexity in structure, vocabulary, or presentation
The legal document was so convoluted that even lawyers struggled to parse its meaning.
O documento legal era tão convoluído que até advogados tinham dificuldade em compreender seu significado.
2. writing characterized by twisting, winding, or intricate sentence structures that obscure rather than clarify meaning
Her essay contained convoluted text that would benefit from clearer organization and simpler phrasing.
Seu ensaio continha texto convoluído que se beneficiaria de uma organização mais clara e frases mais simples.
In both Brazilian and American professional contexts, convoluted text is generally criticized as a sign of poor communication skills. Brazilian legal and academic writing has historically been more prone to convolution, though modern style guides increasingly emphasize clarity (clareza) and simplicity. In the USA, plain language movement has actively worked against convoluted text in government and business writing.
Related Idioms & Phrases
lost in the weeds (referring to convoluted text that obscures main point)
mountain out of a molehill (when simple ideas are presented in overly complex text)
beating around the bush (indirect and winding textual presentation)
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