ineffective advice

[ɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tɪv ədˈvaɪs]
noun phrasepl: ineffective advices (uncountable in English, countable in Portuguese)
conselho ineficaz
1. guidance or recommendations that fail to produce the desired result or solve the intended problem
The doctor's ineffective advice only worsened her condition.
O conselho ineficaz do médico apenas piorou sua condição.
2. suggestions that do not achieve their intended purpose or effect
His ineffective advice on managing stress did not help the employees.
Seu conselho ineficaz sobre gerenciar o estresse não ajudou os funcionários.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, giving or receiving ineffective advice is often framed as a social faux pas. In Brazil, there's a cultural emphasis on 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility and street smarts), so ineffective advice may be viewed as lacking practical wisdom. In the USA, ineffective advice in professional contexts can damage credibility and trust.
NYC Slang
bum steer; bad call; weak game
Synonyms / Sinônimos
useless adviceunhelpful guidancepoor counselmisguided recommendationfruitless suggestion
Antonyms / Antônimos
effective advicesound counselhelpful guidancewise recommendationpractical suggestion

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
conselho ineficaz
most common and formal usage
Rio de Janeiro
conselho furado
informal/colloquial expression meaning 'worthless advice'
São Paulo
dica que não funciona
more casual, using 'dica' instead of 'conselho'
Portugal
conselho ineficaz
same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'conselhos que não resultam'

Related Words

bad advicecounterproductivemisguidedunhelpfulfutileineffectual

Related Idioms & Phrases

barking up the wrong tree
miss the mark
shooting in the dark
não adiantar nada (Portuguese: 'doesn't help anything')
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