glittering generality

American  

[glit-er-ing jen-uh-ral-i-tee] / ˈglɪt ər ɪŋ ˌdʒɛn əˈræl ɪ ti /

noun

1. a word or phrase that is used primarily to appeal to a person's emotions and values.

   They used glittering generalities like “freedom,” “civilization,” and “democracy” to boost support for the movement without talking about how to achieve those lofty goals.

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Etymology

Origin of glittering generality

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

To interrogate a glittering generality is to slur its projector; she wished her hearers to be dazzled, not moved to the impertinence of cross-examination.

From The Second Generation by Phillips, David Graham

Carter replied with a glittering generality: “Your Uncle Sam has rolled up his shirt sleeves and means business.”

From Short Stories of the New America Interpreting the America of this age to high school boys and girls by Various

At that time the language of our friend was but a glittering generality, for there were very many who could not be styled sovereigns in any sense of the term.

From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume II by Stanton, Elizabeth Cady

Feeling small, at best, is a kind of glittering generality.

From The Voice of the Machines An Introduction to the Twentieth Century by Lee, Gerald Stanley

In its center was a battered, weather kiosk, and facing it, was a huge electric advertisement which indulged in the glittering generality, that "You get what you pay for."

From Calvary Alley by Rice, Alice Caldwell Hegan