undermine the core purpose

[ˌʌndərˈmaɪn ðə ˈkɔːr ˈpɜːrpəs]

verb phrase

minar o propósito central/fundamental

1. To weaken, damage, or gradually destroy the main objective or essential goal of something

Frequent policy changes undermine the core purpose of the educational reform.

Mudanças frequentes de políticas minam o propósito central da reforma educacional.

2. To sabotage or compromise the fundamental aim or intention behind an initiative, plan, or organization

Internal conflicts undermine the core purpose of the nonprofit organization.

Conflitos internos minam o propósito fundamental da organização sem fins lucrativos.

NYC Slang

throw a wrench in the works; kill the whole purpose

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

minar o propósito central; comprometer o objetivo principal

Most common usage in formal and informal contexts

São Paulo

minar o propósito fundamental

Preferred in business and corporate environments

Portugal

minar o objetivo essencial; comprometer o fim principal

Often used in formal written Portuguese

cut the ground from under

pull the rug out from under

throw a monkey wrench into the works

defeat the purpose

work against the grain

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