Detriment for equitable estoppel does not require proof that the claimant would have been better off in an alternative scenario; the relevant detriment is the irreversible change of position brought about by reliance on the unfulfilled representation. Representations founding an estoppel may be subject to implied conditions arising from the circumstances, but the conditionality is assessed by looking backwards from the moment the promise falls due. Indirect representations made to third parties whom the representor knew or must have anticipated would convey the information to the claimant are sufficient to found an estoppel.
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