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token help

[ˈtoʊkən hɛlp]
noun phrase
ajuda simbólica
1. Minimal or superficial assistance offered primarily to appear helpful rather than to genuinely resolve a problem or make a meaningful difference
The company's donation was just token help; they didn't really address the community's needs.
A doação da empresa foi apenas ajuda simbólica; não abordou realmente as necessidades da comunidade.
2. Assistance that is cosmetic or performative in nature, intended to satisfy appearances without substantial impact
Offering one day of volunteer work is token help compared to the magnitude of the crisis.
Oferecer um dia de trabalho voluntário é ajuda simbólica comparado à magnitude da crise.
NYC Slang
fake help, for show
Synonyms
token gesturelip serviceperformative helpsuperficial assistancewindow dressing
Antonyms
genuine helpsubstantial assistancemeaningful supportconcrete aid

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ajuda simbólica
Standard term used across Brazil
Portugal
ajuda meramente simbólica
Often emphasized with 'meramente' (merely) for clarity

Related Idioms & Phrases

lip service
token gesture
going through the motions
all show and no go
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