incompetent guide

[/ɪnˈkɒmpɪtənt ɡaɪd/]
noun phrasepl: incompetent guides
guia incompetente
1. A person who leads or directs others but lacks the necessary skills, knowledge, or ability to do so effectively
The incompetent guide led the tourists in circles through the old city.
O guia incompetente levou os turistas em círculos pela cidade antiga.
2. A leader or mentor who is unable to provide adequate instruction, direction, or supervision
Working under an incompetent guide made the internship frustrating.
Trabalhar sob a orientação de um guia incompetente tornou o estágio frustrante.
In Brazil, tourism is significant, and the concept of an 'guia incompetente' is often discussed in traveler forums and reviews. The term is used both literally (for tour guides) and figuratively (for any ineffective leader or mentor). In the USA, particularly in New York City, this might be expressed more colloquially as 'a bum guide' or 'a phony guide,' reflecting American directness in criticism.
NYC Slang
a bum guide / a phony guide
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unqualified guideinept guideunskilled guidepoor guideinadequate guide
Antonyms / Antônimos
competent guideskilled guideexpert guideknowledgeable guideexperienced guide

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
guia incompetente
Standard translation used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
guia incompetente / guia incapaz
Incapaz is commonly used colloquially
São Paulo
guia incompetente
Formal usage, commonly used in tourism contexts
Portugal
guia incompetente
Same standard usage as in Brazil

Related Words

guideincompetenceincompetentleadershipmentorinstructor

Related Idioms & Phrases

leading someone astray
lost cause
blind leading the blind
out of one's depth
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