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guarded answer

[/ˈɡɑːrdɪd ˈænsər/]
noun phrasepl: guarded answers
resposta cautelosa
1. A response that is careful, cautious, or non-committal, often avoiding full disclosure or direct engagement with a question
When asked about the scandal, the politician gave a guarded answer that revealed very little.
Quando questionado sobre o escândalo, o político deu uma resposta cautelosa que revelou muito pouco.
2. A reply that is measured and reserved, typically to protect oneself or avoid controversy
She offered only a guarded answer about her future plans.
Ela ofereceu apenas uma resposta reservada sobre seus planos futuros.
NYC Slang
the runaround; dodging the question
Synonyms
cautious responseevasive answernoncommittal replymeasured responsereserved answer
Antonyms
candid answerfrank responsestraightforward replyhonest answeropen response

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta cautelosa
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
resposta cuidadosa
Also commonly used in formal contexts
Portugal
resposta cautelosa
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

play it safe
play one's cards close to one's chest
give nothing away
talk around the issue
hedge one's bets
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