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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.

See Examples For:

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

Frustration then boiled over as animated hand waving was aimed the way of team-mate Rafael Leao late in the game.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2024

“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

As the car approaches, a white mark appears to move across the body’s torso, which social media users claimed showed its hand waving.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 8, 2022

She looks where I’m pointing, to the card of a girl’s hand waving.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord

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