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half-hearted help

[/hæf ˈhɑːrtɪd help/]
noun phrase
ajuda morna
1. assistance given without enthusiasm, commitment, or genuine effort; support that lacks sincerity or wholehearted dedication
The volunteer's half-hearted help made little difference to the community project.
A ajuda morna do voluntário fez pouca diferença no projeto da comunidade.
2. reluctant or lukewarm assistance provided with minimal enthusiasm
His half-hearted help during the renovation showed he wasn't truly interested in the project.
Sua ajuda morna durante a renovação mostrou que ele não estava realmente interessado no projeto.
NYC Slang
phoned-in help; weak assist
Synonyms
lukewarm helpreluctant assistancehalfhearted supportunenthusiastic aidtepid help
Antonyms
wholehearted helpenthusiastic assistancededicated supportgenuine aidearnest help

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ajuda morna; ajuda desanimada
most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
ajuda morna; ajuda de má vontade
colloquial variant
São Paulo
ajuda sem entusiasmo; ajuda superficial
formal and informal usage
Portugal
ajuda desinteressada; ajuda pouco empenhada
European Portuguese variant

Related Idioms & Phrases

go through the motions
do the bare minimum
not put one's heart into it
do something with one hand tied behind one's back
give it the old college try (negative context)
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