hand waving

Also hand-waving,

noun

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

Example Sentences

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

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on BBC

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

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

Read more on NewsForKids.net

As the seconds go by, his apologetic demeanor morphs into something more like comedy — his head shaking, his hand waving in a vaguely Italian-style telegraph of exasperation, all of it coalescing into a fascinating improvisational bit.

Read more on New York Times