illusion of progress
[ɪˈluːʒən əv ˈprɑːɡres]
noun phrasepl: illusions of progress
ilusão de progresso
1. A false or deceptive sense that advancement or improvement is occurring when actual meaningful change or development is minimal or non-existent
The company's new policies created an illusion of progress while fundamental problems remained unsolved.
As novas políticas da empresa criaram uma ilusão de progresso enquanto os problemas fundamentais permaneciam sem solução.
2. The psychological phenomenon of perceiving forward movement in a situation that is actually stagnant or moving backward
Many critics argue that the government's recent reforms are merely an illusion of progress.
Muitos críticos argumentam que as reformas recentes do governo são apenas uma ilusão de progresso.
This phrase is frequently used in both American and Brazilian contexts to critique corporate or governmental initiatives that appear reformative but lack substantive impact. In Brazil, it's commonly invoked in discussions about socioeconomic policies and institutional reforms. The term reflects skepticism about marketed changes that fail to address root causes of problems.
NYC Slang
smoke and mirrors
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