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help with strings attached

[help wɪð strɪŋz əˈtætʃt]
noun phrase / idiomatic expression
ajuda com condições / ajuda interessada
1. Assistance or support that comes with hidden expectations, conditions, or obligations that must be fulfilled in return
The company offered financial help with strings attached, requiring the startup to use only their services.
A empresa ofereceu ajuda financeira com condições, exigindo que a startup usasse apenas seus serviços.
2. Aid given with the expectation of receiving something in return or with implicit demands
She refused her parents' help with strings attached because she wanted to be independent.
Ela recusou a ajuda dos pais com interesses ocultos porque queria ser independente.
NYC Slang
help with the catch / help with the hook
Synonyms
conditional helphelp with conditionshelp with expectationsaid with ulterior motives
Antonyms
unconditional helpno strings attachedselfless aidfree help

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ajuda com condições / ajuda interessada
Most common usage in informal and formal contexts
Portugal
ajuda com condições / ajuda com segundas intenções
Portuguese speakers may also use 'com ressalvas' (with reservations)
São Paulo
ajuda interessada / ajuda com pegadinhas
More colloquial usage in urban contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

no strings attached
come with baggage
hidden agenda
catch-22
quid pro quo
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