This is also a common administrative punishment method: "You seem to understand that problem. Why don't you study it more in depth and return a proposal on wha

This is also a common administrative punishment method: "You seem to understand that problem. Why don't you study it more in depth and return a proposal on what to do about it". Unsaid: "in addition to your current workload." Also unsaid "that will learn you to be a smartass". (Which is okay if it's a problem you DO want to make your life about - but still with the understanding that this new assignement was meant as punishement and is not what will get you promoted. At least not unless it's spectacularly successful.)