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faint praise

[/feɪnt preɪz/]
noun
elogio superficial
1. Mild or weak approval that is expressed in a way that suggests disapproval or lack of genuine enthusiasm; compliment that is so subtle or lukewarm it amounts to criticism
His review amounted to faint praise, calling the restaurant 'adequate' and 'acceptable.'
Sua crítica foi apenas elogio superficial, chamando o restaurante de 'adequado' e 'aceitável'.
2. Praise that appears positive on the surface but is actually insulting or damaging due to its lack of conviction
With faint praise, she said his presentation was 'interesting,' which nobody took as a compliment.
Com elogio superficial, ela disse que sua apresentação era 'interessante', o que ninguém interpretou como um elogio.
NYC Slang
weak sauce; that's mid
Synonyms
backhanded complimentlukewarm praisehalf-hearted complimentdamning with faint praise
Antonyms
genuine praiseenthusiastic complimentsincere approvalhearty endorsement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
elogio superficial; elogio morno
Most common usage
São Paulo
elogio tímido; aprovação fraca
Alternative expressions used in business context
Portugal
elogio exíguo; louvor superficial
More formal/literary usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

damning with faint praise
to damn with faint praise
backhanded compliment
left-handed compliment
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