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undermine confidence

[/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn ˈkɒnfɪdəns/]
verb phrase
minar a confiança
1. To gradually weaken or destroy someone's trust, belief, or assurance in something or someone
The scandal undermined confidence in the government.
O escândalo minou a confiança no governo.
2. To erode or damage the strength or validity of confidence through subtle or indirect means
Constant criticism can undermine a child's confidence.
Críticas constantes podem minar a confiança de uma criança.
Synonyms
erode confidenceshake confidenceweaken confidencedamage confidencediminish confidencedestroy confidence
Antonyms
build confidencestrengthen confidenceboost confidencerestore confidencereinforce confidence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
minar a confiança
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
abalar a confiança
Alternative form, slightly more informal
São Paulo
minar a confiança
Standard formal usage
Portugal
minar a confiança
Standard usage, sometimes 'abanar a confiança' in informal speech

Related Idioms & Phrases

cut the ground from under someone
pull the rug out from under someone
chip away at confidence
eat away at trust
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