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perfunctory aid

[/pərˈfʌŋktəri eɪd/]
noun phrasepl: perfunctory aids
ajuda superficial
1. Assistance or help given in a cursory, routine, or half-hearted manner without genuine interest or thoroughness
The organization provided only perfunctory aid to the disaster victims, checking boxes rather than truly helping.
A organização forneceu apenas ajuda superficial às vítimas do desastre, cumprindo protocolos em vez de realmente ajudar.
2. Support given as a formality or obligation rather than with sincere commitment
His perfunctory aid was evident in how quickly he abandoned the project.
Sua ajuda perfuntória era evidente na rapidez com que abandonou o projeto.
NYC Slang
half-baked help, phony assist
Synonyms
superficial aidtoken aidhalf-hearted assistancecursory helppro forma assistance
Antonyms
genuine aidheartfelt assistancededicated helpsubstantial supportsincere assistance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ajuda superficial
Most common translation in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
ajuda de fachada
Alternative colloquial usage emphasizing appearance over substance
Portugal
auxílio superficial
Portuguese variant using 'auxílio' instead of 'ajuda'

Related Idioms & Phrases

going through the motions
lip service
box checking
token gesture
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