weak plea

[wik pliː]
nounpl: weak pleas
apelo fraco; súplica fraca
1. A request or appeal that lacks conviction, strength, or persuasive power; an unconvincing or ineffective entreaty
His weak plea for forgiveness fell on deaf ears.
Seu apelo fraco por perdão caiu em ouvidos moucos.
2. In legal context, an argument or defense that is not compelling or lacks sufficient evidence
The defendant's weak plea of innocence was undermined by the physical evidence.
A fraca alegação de inocência do réu foi enfraquecida pelas provas físicas.
3. A half-hearted or reluctant appeal or request
She made only a weak plea to stay at the party longer.
Ela fez apenas um apelo fraco para ficar mais tempo na festa.
In Brazilian legal contexts, 'apelo fraco' is frequently used in court proceedings and legal documents. In the USA, this phrase commonly appears in criminal justice discussions and negotiations. The concept reflects cultural attitudes about persuasion and argumentation, where in both cultures a 'weak plea' is generally viewed unfavorably and unlikely to achieve the desired outcome.
NYC Slang
lame excuse; weak game
Synonyms / Sinônimos
feeble pleaunconvincing appealhalf-hearted requestlame excusepoor argument
Antonyms / Antônimos
strong pleacompelling appealforceful argumentconvincing requestpowerful entreaty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
apelo fraco; súplica fraca
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
apelo fraco; pedido fraco
Common in conversational Portuguese
São Paulo
apelo fraco; alegação fraca
Often used in legal and business contexts
Portugal
súplica fraca; apelo débil
Formal usage; 'débil' more common in Portugal than Brazil

Related Words

pleaappealentreatyrequestargumentdefense

Related Idioms & Phrases

fall on deaf ears
hold no water
cut no ice
not wash with someone
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