Definition

Noun: * Empty or meaningless talk: Speech or writing that lacks substance, sincerity, or truth. It refers to words that are exaggerated, insincere, or used merely for effect without conveying real meaning or intention.

Usage

This term is used to criticize speech or promises that are considered worthless, deceptive, or filled with empty boasting. It often implies that the speaker is not to be trusted or that the words are a waste of time.

Examples

• The politician's promises were dismissed by critics as mere idle words.
• Don't listen to his idle words; he never follows through on his threats.
• After the argument, their apologies felt like idle words meant only to end the conflict.

Advanced Usage

• "To speak idle words": To engage in empty or frivolous talk.
  • He was accused of speaking idle words when he should have been presenting facts.

Variants and Related Words

• Idle talk (n): Casual or frivolous conversation, often implying gossip or chatter without purpose.
  • The meeting was filled with idle talk and no decisions were made.

Synonyms

• Empty talk: Speech with no real content.
• Hot air: Boastful or pretentious talk that is not backed up by actions.
• Bluster: Loud, aggressive, or indignant talk with little effect.
• Palaver: Prolonged and idle discussion.

Related Phrases

• "Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing": A literary phrase (from Shakespeare's ) describing passionate but ultimately meaningless speech, closely related to the concept of idle words.

Noun

1. empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk
   • that's a lot of wind
   • don't give me any of that jazz