empty-handed

Otherwise, we will be but celebrating an empty holiday, missing its true meaning altogether.

"Buy something for your wife that-is-to-be," he said to his grand-nephew, as he handed him the folded paper.

Lawrence handed the General the mysterious message and Schofield read it with a darkened brow.

Herein he found an empty stall that was dark enough not to be seen, and still afforded sufficient light to read in.

Still, if such an envelope should be handed him, he would breathe easier until it was opened.

The landlord handed him his bill—'Two weeks board at five dollars—ten dollars.'