The sanctions for misbehaviour were not credible: to threaten a deficit-ridden country with huge fines is like chastising a man hanging on to a cliff by treading on his fingers.

对不端行为的惩罚显得难以真正实行：对于一个负债累累的国家施以巨额处罚无异于对一个吊在悬崖边上的人踩手指。

youdao

The first casualty may well be further reform of Brazil's deficit-ridden state pensions system.

ECONOMIST: A paradox for Cardoso

Rapid action to push through other urgent reforms for example, of the deficit-ridden state pension scheme would also impress the markets.

ECONOMIST: Brazil

It is nonsensical for the deficit-ridden U.S. government to subsidize corn-derived ethanol while imposing punitive tariffs on imports of Brazilian ethanol made from sugar cane.

FORBES: Ethanol Subsidies: Dumping Corn In The Ocean Would Be A Better Idea