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doubtful explanation

[ˈdaʊtfəl ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən]
noun phrasepl: doubtful explanations
explicação duvidosa
1. An explanation that lacks clarity, credibility, or convincing evidence; a statement intended to clarify something that raises questions or skepticism about its validity
His doubtful explanation for missing the meeting did not satisfy the manager.
Sua explicação duvidosa pela ausência à reunião não satisfez o gerente.
2. A justification or account of events that is open to question or disbelief
The witness gave a doubtful explanation of what happened at the scene.
A testemunha deu uma explicação duvidosa do que aconteceu no local.
NYC Slang
sketchy explanation
Synonyms
questionable explanationunconvincing explanationunclear explanationsuspicious explanationdubious explanation
Antonyms
clear explanationconvincing explanationplausible explanationcredible explanation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
explicação duvidosa
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
explicação suspeita
colloquial alternative emphasizing suspicion
São Paulo
explicação questionável
formal business/professional context
Portugal
explicação duvidosa
standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

that doesn't add up
sounds fishy
a hard sell
a cock-and-bull story
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