mere formality

[/mɪr fɔːrˈmæləti/]

noun phrase

mera formalidade

1. A procedure or requirement that is required by law or custom but is considered unnecessary or insignificant because the outcome is already determined

The approval process is just a mere formality; the decision has already been made.

O processo de aprovação é apenas uma mera formalidade; a decisão já foi tomada.

2. Something done or required out of convention rather than necessity

Signing the contract is a mere formality at this point.

Assinar o contrato é uma mera formalidade neste ponto.

NYC Slang

just a formality, no biggie

Synonyms

empty gesture technicality rubber stamp perfunctory act pura formalidade simples protocolo

Antonyms

substantial requirement essential procedure critical step importante necessidade

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

mera formalidade

most common usage in Brazil

São Paulo

apenas uma formalidade

common variation in São Paulo region

Rio de Janeiro

só uma formalidade

colloquial form more common in Rio

Portugal

mera formalidade

same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

a formality we must observe

go through the motions

dot the i's and cross the t's

rubber stamp approval

protocolo que se deve cumprir

uma questão de forma

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