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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

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

Throughout the show, there were occasional moans and yelps, and lots of hand waving, smiles, laughs and cheers.

From Washington Post • Aug. 3, 2022

I see a hand waving around the outside of the easel.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

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