idle threat
noun
a threat that is not likely to be carried out, usually because the person who made it does not really mean it.
idle threats
-
pluralof idle threat.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
"But it's not lost on me that these are not idle threats," Balmer said.
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2026
These will not be idle threats; the judge has a remarkable record of keeping a tight rein on lawyers appearing before him.
From Slate ● Apr. 19, 2023
The Not Safe for Mom Group, which surfaces confessions of anonymous mothers, pulses with idle threats of role refusal, like: “I want to be alone!!! I don’t want to make your lunch!!”
From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2022
Instead of headlining some outrageous prediction or threat, they should recount his long record of failed predictions and idle threats.
From Salon ● Sep. 18, 2020
It is impossible to tell the difference between idle threats and serious ones.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
