unhelpful aid
[/ʌnˈhɛlpfəl eɪd/]
nounpl: unhelpful aids
ajuda inútil
1. assistance or support that fails to solve a problem or actively makes a situation worse
The government's unhelpful aid to small businesses came with so many restrictions that most couldn't use it.
A ajuda inútil do governo às pequenas empresas veio com tantas restrições que a maioria não conseguiu utilizá-la.
2. help provided with poor timing, inadequate resources, or misaligned with actual needs
His unhelpful aid during the crisis only added to the confusion rather than solving anything.
Sua ajuda inútil durante a crise apenas aumentou a confusão em vez de resolver algo.
This phrase is commonly used in both Brazilian and American English contexts when discussing government programs, charity work, or interpersonal support that misses the mark. In Brazil, 'ajuda que atrapalha' is a colloquial expression emphasizing assistance that actually creates obstacles rather than solutions. In the USA, this concept frequently appears in political discourse regarding welfare programs and foreign aid effectiveness.
Related Idioms & Phrases
more harm than good
barking up the wrong tree
throwing good money after bad
ajuda que atrapalha (Brazilian Portuguese)
ajuda que não ajuda (Brazilian Portuguese)
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