display incompetence
[dɪˈspleɪ ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns]
verb phrase
demonstrar incompetência
1. to show or exhibit a lack of skill, knowledge, or ability to perform a task or duty
The manager displayed incompetence when he failed to meet the project deadline for the third time.
O gerente demonstrou incompetência ao falhar em cumprir o prazo do projeto pela terceira vez.
2. to reveal through one's actions that one is not capable or qualified for a particular role or responsibility
She displayed incompetence in her handling of the client negotiations.
Ela demonstrou incompetência na forma como conduziu as negociações com o cliente.
In both Brazilian and American professional contexts, displaying incompetence can have serious career consequences. In Brazil, there's often emphasis on 'jogo de cintura' (ability to navigate social situations), so incompetence is viewed as particularly damaging. In American corporate culture, repeated displays of incompetence typically lead to performance reviews and potential termination. The phrase is commonly used in workplace discussions, performance evaluations, and informal critiques of colleagues or public figures.
NYC Slang
to show you don't know what you're doing / to botch it up / to blow it
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