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undermine authority

[ˌʌndərˈmaɪn ɔːˈθɒrɪti]
verb phrase
minar a autoridade
1. To weaken or damage the power, credibility, or effectiveness of someone in a position of authority
The leaked documents undermine the authority of the government.
Os documentos vazados minam a autoridade do governo.
2. To gradually reduce someone's respect or influence in a position of leadership
Constantly disagreeing with your boss in public can undermine their authority.
Discordar constantemente do seu chefe em público pode minar sua autoridade.
NYC Slang
throw shade on someone's authority
Synonyms
weaken authoritysubvert authorityerode authoritydiminish authoritychallenge authoritysabotage authority
Antonyms
strengthen authorityreinforce authoritysupport authoritybolster authorityconsolidate authority

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
minar a autoridade
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
enfraquecer a autoridade
Alternative common in Rio region
São Paulo
prejudicar a autoridade
Common business and formal contexts
Portugal
minar a autoridade
Formal and standard usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

cut the ground from under someone's feet
pull the rug out from under someone
shake someone's credibility
eat away at authority
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