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hand waving

American  
Also hand-waving,

noun

  1. insubstantial words, arguments, gestures, or actions used in an attempt to explain or persuade.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When the Atlantic, the Post and the Times announced their opposition, Hegseth replied with an emoji of a hand waving goodbye.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

When Wolves equalised, Monteiro was about to bring on striker Hwang Hee-chan, but after some hand waving in Pereira's direction, the decision was changed.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025

“Some people think that conducting is just a combination of hand waving and keeping the beat,” says Mr. Choi.

From NewsForKids.net • Jul. 6, 2023

A man who had been walking his dog saw Jonah’s hand waving from the rubble and got help.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2022

Ben pressed in close to him with his left hand waving in front of his father’s eyes.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.