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false dilemma

[fɔːls dɪˈlemə]
nounpl: false dilemmas
falso dilema
1. A logical fallacy that presents only two options or solutions when more alternatives exist, forcing a choice between two extremes
The argument presents a false dilemma: either you support this policy completely or you don't care about the environment.
O argumento apresenta um falso dilema: ou você apoia completamente esta política ou não se importa com o meio ambiente.
2. A rhetorical device that oversimplifies a complex situation by limiting choices to two mutually exclusive possibilities
Saying you're either with us or against us is a false dilemma that ignores the possibility of neutrality or compromise.
Dizer que você está conosco ou contra nós é um falso dilema que ignora a possibilidade de neutralidade ou compromisso.
Synonyms
false dichotomyblack-and-white fallacyeither-or fallacyfalse choicebifurcationdichotomous thinking
Antonyms
true dilemmanuanced argumentlogical reasoning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falso dilema
most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Brazil
dilema falso
less common variant in Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
falso dilema
standard usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught between a rock and a hard place (but actually has more options)
stuck between two evils
all-or-nothing thinking
it's not black and white
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