grudging answer

[ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋ ˈænsər]
noun phrasepl: grudging answers
resposta de má vontade
1. A reply given reluctantly or unwillingly, often with resentment or displeasure
After much questioning, he gave a grudging answer about his whereabouts.
Após muitos questionamentos, ele deu uma resposta de má vontade sobre seu paradeiro.
2. A response that acknowledges something while showing reluctance or disapproval
She offered a grudging answer admitting that he was right, though she clearly didn't want to.
Ela ofereceu uma resposta de má vontade admitindo que ele estava certo, embora claramente não quisesse.
3. A reply given with minimal effort or enthusiasm, showing resistance or unwillingness
His grudging answer to the proposal indicated his lack of interest in the project.
Sua resposta de má vontade à proposta indicava sua falta de interesse no projeto.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, a 'grudging answer' reflects an important social dynamic where someone is compelled to respond but maintains emotional distance or disapproval. In Brazil, this is often softened with body language and tone, while in the USA it may be more directly stated. This phrase is frequently used in legal, workplace, and interpersonal conflict situations.
NYC Slang
halfhearted response / yeah, whatever answer
Synonyms / Sinônimos
reluctant answerunwilling responsebegrudging replyreluctant responseresentful answer
Antonyms / Antônimos
eager answerwilling responseenthusiastic replywholehearted answerready response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta de má vontade
Standard and widely understood throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
resposta relutante
Alternative form commonly used in Rio
São Paulo
resposta de má vontade / resposta relutante
Both forms are used interchangeably
Portugal
resposta relutante / resposta de má vontade
Both forms are acceptable in European Portuguese

Related Words

grudgereluctanceresentmentunwillingresistancerefusal

Related Idioms & Phrases

pulling teeth
like pulling teeth to get an answer
answer through gritted teeth
reluctant consent
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