deceptive reason

[/dɪˈsɛptɪv ˈrizən/]
noun phrasepl: deceptive reasons
razão enganosa
1. A justification or explanation that is misleading, false, or intended to conceal the true motivation behind an action
He gave a deceptive reason for missing the meeting, claiming he was sick when he was actually at a party.
Ele deu uma razão enganosa para faltar à reunião, alegando estar doente quando na verdade estava em uma festa.
2. An argument that appears logical but is fundamentally dishonest or misleading in nature
The company provided a deceptive reason for the price increase that didn't reflect the actual costs.
A empresa forneceu uma razão enganosa para o aumento de preço que não refletia os custos reais.
The concept of 'deceptive reason' is universally recognized in both American and Brazilian cultures. In Brazilian Portuguese, people commonly use the phrase 'desculpa esfarrapada' (tattered excuse) or 'mentira deslavada' (blatant lie) in informal contexts. In American culture, detecting deceptive reasoning is a common theme in negotiations, law enforcement, and everyday social interactions.
NYC Slang
bogus excuse, bull reason
Synonyms / Sinônimos
false reasonmisleading excusedishonest justificationpretensepretext
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine reasonhonest explanationtruthful justificationvalid reason

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
razão enganosa
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desculpa furada
More colloquial; literally 'holey excuse'
São Paulo
razão falsa
Alternative usage; slightly more formal
Portugal
razão enganadora
Portuguese Portuguese variant with similar meaning

Related Words

deceptiondishonestyfalsehoodpretensesubterfugemendacity

Related Idioms & Phrases

under false pretenses
not buying it
that dog won't hunt
that's a load of bull
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