shielded reply

[/ˈʃiːldɪd rɪˈplaɪ/]
nounpl: shielded replies
resposta protegida
1. A response that is carefully guarded, evasive, or designed to avoid direct confrontation or full disclosure
The CEO gave a shielded reply to the journalist's question about the company's financial losses.
O CEO deu uma resposta protegida à pergunta do jornalista sobre as perdas financeiras da empresa.
2. In communication, a reply that deflects, minimizes, or protects the speaker from vulnerability or criticism
When asked about his personal life, he offered only a shielded reply.
Quando perguntado sobre sua vida pessoal, ele ofereceu apenas uma resposta protegida.
3. A diplomatically worded or officially sanctioned response intended to limit liability or maintain a strategic position
The government issued a shielded reply regarding the allegations.
O governo emitiu uma resposta protegida em relação às alegações.
This term is commonly used in American corporate and political contexts, as well as in Brazilian media and journalism when discussing evasive public statements. It reflects the modern tendency of public figures and institutions to carefully manage communication to minimize risk and maintain image control.
NYC Slang
dodge; non-answer; corporate speak
Synonyms / Sinônimos
evasive replyguarded responsecautious answerdiplomatic replymeasured responsenoncommittal answer
Antonyms / Antônimos
candid replydirect answerfrank responsehonest replytransparent answeropen reply

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta protegida
Standard term used in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
resposta blindada
More common in corporate and journalistic contexts; literally 'armored reply'
Rio de Janeiro
resposta guardada
Colloquial variant emphasizing careful restraint
Portugal
resposta resguardada
Portuguese variant emphasizing protection and safeguarding

Related Words

evasiondeflectiondiplomatic languagedamage controlspinobfuscation

Related Idioms & Phrases

to play it safe
to dodge the question
to give the runaround
to shield oneself
to cover one's tracks
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