vacillating answer
[væ-sɪ-ˌlā-tɪŋ ˈæn-sər]
noun phrasepl: vacillating answers
resposta vacilante
1. An answer that shows uncertainty, indecision, or frequent changes in opinion; a response that wavers between different positions without committing to a clear stance
The politician gave a vacillating answer to the question about his stance on climate change.
O político deu uma resposta vacilante sobre sua posição em relação às mudanças climáticas.
2. A response that lacks conviction or appears evasive, suggesting the speaker is uncertain or unwilling to take a definitive position
Her vacillating answer left everyone confused about what she actually meant.
Sua resposta vacilante deixou todos confusos sobre o que ela realmente quis dizer.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, a vacillating answer is often viewed negatively, particularly in political discourse and professional settings where clarity and conviction are valued. In Brazil, such responses may be criticized during interviews or public debates as lacking authenticity, while in the US, they're frequently associated with political evasiveness.
NYC Slang
wishy-washy answer; fence-sitting response
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