ostensible merit
[/ɒˈstɛnsɪbəl ˈmɛrɪt/]
noun phrasepl: ostensible merits
mérito aparente
1. A quality, achievement, or qualification that appears to be valuable or worthy but may not be genuine or deserving upon closer examination
The candidate's ostensible merit in his resume was undermined when his actual experience was questioned during the interview.
O mérito aparente do candidato em seu currículo foi questionado quando sua experiência real foi examinada durante a entrevista.
2. A seemingly legitimate reason or qualification that masks underlying deficiencies or dishonesty
The project was approved on its ostensible merit, but later investigations revealed fundamental flaws in the proposal.
O projeto foi aprovado por seu mérito aparente, mas investigações posteriores revelaram falhas fundamentais na proposta.
This phrase is commonly used in Brazilian professional and academic contexts when discussing hiring practices, academic credentials, or project evaluations where initial impressions or qualifications may not reflect actual competence. In the USA, it's often used in legal and corporate settings to describe qualifications that appear valid but require deeper scrutiny. The concept reflects skepticism toward superficial assessments and the importance of due diligence.
NYC Slang
looks good on paper / all hat, no cattle (alternative)
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