impotent instruction
[ɪmˈpoʊtənt ɪnˈstrʌkʃən]
noun phrasepl: impotent instructions
instrução impotente
1. An order, directive, or teaching that lacks the power, authority, or capability to be effectively enforced or implemented
The company issued an impotent instruction to reduce costs without providing adequate resources, rendering it ineffective.
A empresa emitiu uma instrução impotente para reduzir custos sem fornecer recursos adequados, tornando-a ineficaz.
2. A command or guidance that fails to produce the intended result due to insufficient authority or means
Without enforcement mechanisms, the government's impotent instruction to comply with the new regulations fell on deaf ears.
Sem mecanismos de aplicação, a instrução impotente do governo para cumprir os novos regulamentos não foi levada em conta.
This phrase is more commonly used in formal business, legal, and administrative discourse in English-speaking countries. In Brazil, while 'instrução impotente' is understood, speakers often prefer alternatives like 'instrução sem poder' or 'instrução ineficaz' as the word 'impotente' carries strong emotional connotations and is less frequently used in professional contexts.
NYC Slang
a command with no teeth / a meaningless order
Related Idioms & Phrases
barking up the wrong tree
crying over spilled milk
to cast pearls before swine
a voice in the wilderness
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