idle threat

American  

[ahy-duhl thret] / ˈaɪ dəl ˈθrɛt /

noun

idle threats plural

1. a threat that is not likely to be carried out, usually because the person who made it does not really mean it.

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Example Sentences

And even if his latest is merely an idle threat, it serves the same purpose.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2019

Rather than treating that as an idle threat, the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2018

While that would typically be an idle threat, the Raptors must be at least a little scared given that Leonard just pulled pretty much this exact move on his previous employer.

From Slate • Jul. 18, 2018

Chinese officials say they do not dismiss anything as an idle threat.

From New York Times • May 29, 2018

Although humanitarian help is not against the law, this is not an idle threat, says Hernandez, the church volunteer.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario