false explanations

[/fɔːls ɪkˌsplə'neɪʃənz/]
nounpl: false explanations
explicações falsas
1. Inaccurate, misleading, or deliberately deceptive accounts offered to justify or clarify something
The politician offered false explanations for the missing funds, claiming they were lost in accounting errors.
O político ofereceu explicações falsas para os fundos desaparecidos, alegando que foram perdidos em erros contábeis.
2. Incorrect interpretations or reasoning presented as factual justification
Students often resort to false explanations when they haven't studied the material properly.
Os alunos frequentemente recorrem a explicações falsas quando não estudaram o material adequadamente.
In Brazilian culture, false explanations are often met with skepticism and humor, particularly in interpersonal contexts. There's a cultural tendency to value directness and authenticity in communication. In American contexts, false explanations in professional or official settings carry serious legal and ethical consequences, whereas in informal social settings they may be tolerated with humor or ignored. The phrase is commonly used in both educational and legal/governmental discourse.
NYC Slang
BS explanations / baloney / a load of hooey
Synonyms / Sinônimos
misleading explanationsdeceptive accountsfalse justificationserroneous explanationsfabricated reasons
Antonyms / Antônimos
truthful explanationsaccurate accountshonest justificationsfactual explanationsgenuine reasons

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
explicações falsas
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
explicações falsas / mentirinha
May use colloquial diminutive form informally
São Paulo
explicações falsas / desculpas mal feitas
Often emphasizes the inadequacy of the excuse
Portugal
explicações falsas / desculpas mentirosas
Portuguese usage emphasizes the lying aspect more directly

Related Words

misinformationdisinformationfabricationmisrepresentationdeception

Related Idioms & Phrases

to spin a yarn
to pull the wool over someone's eyes
to give someone the runaround
contar uma história da carochinha (Brazilian Portuguese)
contos da carochinha (misleading tales)
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