Totally going to hell for this one
Me to Mom: I was talking to (powerful friend). I mentioned (so-and-so) might contact them for a job.
Mom: What did (powerful friend) say?
Me: That (so-and-so) isn’t smart enough to think of doing that. Also, that they wouldn’t get past the front door.
Mom: No one in their right mind would hire that person. (So-and-so) needs to move out of the state.