← Back to Fala2Me

modest proposal

[ˈmɒdɪst prəˈpoʊzəl]
nounpl: modest proposals
proposta modesta
1. A seemingly reasonable or humble suggestion that is actually ironic, satirical, or absurd in intent; often used to critique social issues through irony
His modest proposal to solve homelessness by relocating all poor people to remote islands was clearly satirical.
Sua proposta modesta para resolver a falta de moradia realocando todos os pobres em ilhas remotas era claramente satírica.
2. A reference to Jonathan Swift's 1729 satirical essay 'A Modest Proposal' which ironically suggested eating Irish children to solve poverty
The term 'modest proposal' has become synonymous with biting social satire since Swift's famous work.
O termo 'proposta modesta' tornou-se sinônimo de sátira social mordaz desde a famosa obra de Swift.
Synonyms
ironic suggestionsatirical proposaltongue-in-cheek ideafacetious proposal
Antonyms
sincere proposalgenuine suggestion

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
proposta modesta
Standard usage, often understood in literary/academic contexts
Portugal
proposta modesta
Standard usage, frequently referenced in educational contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

a tongue-in-cheek suggestion
a backhanded proposal
irony cloaked as sincerity
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →