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hollow justification

[ˈhɑːloʊ ˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən]
nounpl: hollow justifications
justificativa vazia
1. A reason or explanation for something that lacks substance, sincerity, or validity; an unconvincing or superficial argument
The company's hollow justification for the layoffs failed to convince employees.
A justificativa vazia da empresa para as demissões não convenceu os funcionários.
2. A defense or excuse that appears reasonable on the surface but is fundamentally empty or dishonest
His hollow justification for missing the meeting was that he forgot about it.
Sua justificativa vazia para perder a reunião foi que esqueceu dela.
NYC Slang
weak sauce; that dog won't hunt
Synonyms
empty excuseshallow reasoningflimsy justificationweak argumentpretense
Antonyms
valid justificationsolid reasoninggenuine explanationlegitimate excuse

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
justificativa vazia
most common usage
Brazil
desculpa furada
informal; literally 'holey excuse'
Portugal
justificação oca
standard usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

ring hollow
empty words
not hold water
smoke and mirrors
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