damaging statement

[ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ ˈsteɪtmənt]
noun phrasepl: damaging statements
declaração prejudicial
1. A statement or declaration that harms someone's reputation, credibility, or legal position
The witness made a damaging statement that contradicted the defendant's alibi.
A testemunha fez uma declaração prejudicial que contradisse o álibi do réu.
2. Public or private remarks that cause harm to a person's character, business, or interests
The CEO avoided making any damaging statements about the competitor during the interview.
O CEO evitou fazer declarações prejudiciais sobre o concorrente durante a entrevista.
3. In legal contexts, evidence or testimony that works against a party's case
His own damaging statement during cross-examination weakened his defense.
Sua própria declaração prejudicial durante o contrainterrogatório enfraqueceu sua defesa.
In both American and Brazilian legal systems, damaging statements are a critical concern in litigation. In Brazil, there is particular emphasis on protecting a person's 'honra' (honor and dignity) through defamation laws. In the USA, the concept is closely tied to discovery rules and witness testimony. Both cultures recognize the power of statements to irreparably harm reputation and legal standing.
NYC Slang
throwing shade / snitching (depending on context)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
incriminating statementharmful remarkderogatory commentprejudicial statementnegative declaration
Antonyms / Antônimos
favorable statementcomplimentary remarkexculpatory statementsupportive declaration

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
declaração prejudicial
Most common usage in formal and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
declaração prejudicial / fala prejudicial
May use more colloquial 'fala prejudicial' in informal speech
São Paulo
declaração prejudicial / depoimento prejudicial
Legal and business contexts often use 'depoimento prejudicial'
Portugal
declaração prejudicial / afirmação prejudicial
Portuguese European variant uses similar formulations

Related Words

defamationslanderlibeltestimonycross-examinationreputationcredibilityevidence

Related Idioms & Phrases

put one's foot in one's mouth
speak out of turn
open a can of worms
burn one's bridges
throw under the bus
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →