noncommittal advice

[ˌnɑːn.kəˈmɪt.əl əd'vaɪs]

noun phrase

conselho não comprometedor

1. Advice that avoids taking a definite position or making a clear commitment; vague or ambiguous guidance that leaves room for interpretation

The manager gave noncommittal advice about the project deadline, saying it might be possible to extend it.

O gerente deu um conselho não comprometedor sobre o prazo do projeto, dizendo que poderia ser possível estendê-lo.

2. Guidance that neither confirms nor denies a particular course of action

Her noncommittal advice left us uncertain about whether to proceed with the investment.

Seu conselho não comprometedor nos deixou incertos sobre se devíamos prosseguir com o investimento.

NYC Slang

wishy-washy advice; dodgy guidance

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

conselho não comprometedor; conselho vago

Most common usage across Brazilian Portuguese

São Paulo

conselho de cerca

Colloquial: advice that sits on the fence

Rio de Janeiro

conselho morno

Informal: lukewarm advice that doesn't take sides

Portugal

conselho ambíguo; conselho pouco comprometido

Standard European Portuguese usage

sitting on the fence

playing it safe

keeping one's cards close to the chest

giving someone the runaround

talking out of both sides of one's mouth

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