unearned confidence
[/ʌnˈɜːrnd ˈkɒnfɪdəns/]
noun
confiança injustificada
1. excessive self-assurance or belief in one's abilities that is not supported by actual experience, skill, or accomplishment
His unearned confidence led him to apply for a job far beyond his qualifications.
Sua confiança injustificada o levou a se candidatar a um emprego muito além de suas qualificações.
2. overconfidence in one's knowledge or capabilities without having demonstrated competence or having earned the right to feel that way
The startup failed because the CEO's unearned confidence prevented him from listening to expert advice.
A startup falhou porque a confiança injustificada do CEO o impediu de ouvir conselhos de especialistas.
This concept is particularly relevant in modern discussions about the Dunning-Kruger effect and is commonly observed in startup culture, social media, and youth culture in both the USA and Brazil. In American business culture, it's often criticized as a form of hubris, while in Brazilian culture it may be viewed through the lens of 'jogo de cintura' (personal charm overriding competence). The term has become increasingly relevant in discussions about imposter syndrome's inverse—when people lack the self-awareness to recognize their own limitations.
NYC Slang
all hat, no cattle / all talk, no walk
Related Idioms & Phrases
biting off more than one can chew
getting ahead of oneself
counting one's chickens before they hatch
putting the cart before the horse
confiança cega
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