half measure
[/hæf ˈmɛʒər/]
nounpl: half measures
meia medida
1. an action or policy that is not thorough or complete; an inadequate or insufficient solution to a problem
The government's response to the crisis was merely a half measure that failed to address the root causes.
A resposta do governo à crise foi apenas uma meia medida que não abordou as causas raiz.
2. a compromise or partial solution that satisfies no one completely
Banning only some of the toxic chemicals was a half measure; they should have banned all of them.
Proibir apenas alguns dos produtos químicos tóxicos foi uma meia medida; deviam ter proibido todos eles.
3. an attempt to solve a problem that is deemed insufficient or weak
We can't afford half measures when it comes to education reform.
Não podemos nos dar ao luxo de meias medidas quando se trata de reforma educacional.
This expression is commonly used in both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese to criticize government policies, business decisions, or personal actions perceived as inadequate. In Brazil, 'meia medida' is frequently used in political discourse and social commentary. The concept reflects a cultural value in both countries of preferring decisive, comprehensive action over compromise solutions. The phrase often carries a tone of frustration or disappointment.
NYC Slang
quick fix, band-aid solution
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →