misguided intention
[mɪsˈɡaɪdɪd ɪnˈtenʃən]
noun phrasepl: misguided intentions
intenção equivocada
1. a purpose or aim that is based on incorrect understanding, poor judgment, or flawed reasoning, even if well-meaning
Despite his misguided intention to help, he only made the situation worse.
Apesar de sua intenção equivocada de ajudar, ele apenas piorou a situação.
2. a goal pursued with sincerity but lacking proper knowledge, wisdom, or foresight
The new policy was implemented with misguided intention, failing to address the real problems.
A nova política foi implementada com intenção equivocada, falhando em abordar os problemas reais.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe situations where someone's sincere effort backfires or causes unintended harm. In Brazil, it's frequently used in discussions about social policies, family dynamics, and business decisions where the underlying motivation was positive but the outcome was negative. The phrase carries a tone of mild criticism paired with understanding of the person's sincere motives.
Related Idioms & Phrases
the road to hell is paved with good intentions
heart in the right place, but execution all wrong
good intentions, bad execution
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