damaging answer

[ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ ˈænsər]
noun phrasepl: damaging answers
resposta prejudicial
1. A response or reply that harms, injures, or negatively affects someone's reputation, legal position, or interests
The witness gave a damaging answer that contradicted the defendant's alibi.
A testemunha deu uma resposta prejudicial que contradisse o álibi do réu.
2. In legal contexts, testimony or a statement that weakens one's own case or exposes one to liability
During cross-examination, the plaintiff was forced to provide a damaging answer about the contract
Durante o contrainterrogatório, o autor foi forçado a fornecer uma resposta prejudicial sobre o contrato.
This phrase is commonly used in legal and judicial contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazilian legal proceedings, witness testimony and deposition answers are critical to case outcomes. The concept reflects the importance of careful communication in adversarial legal systems where an ill-considered answer can irreversibly damage one's position.
NYC Slang
a snitching answer / a killer response (colloquial, when self-incriminating)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
incriminating answerharmful responsedetrimental statementcompromising replyinjurious answer
Antonyms / Antônimos
favorable answerbeneficial responsehelpful statementexculpatory answervindicating response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta prejudicial
Standard formal usage in legal and general contexts
Rio de Janeiro
resposta danosa
Alternative formal usage, slightly more technical
São Paulo
resposta comprometedora
Emphasizes the compromising nature of the answer
Portugal
resposta prejudicial
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in legal contexts

Related Words

damaging testimonyincriminating evidenceprejudicial statementcross-examinationdepositionlegal liability

Related Idioms & Phrases

shoot oneself in the foot
open Pandora's box
put one's foot in one's mouth
give away the game
spill the beans
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