wish-wash
Americannoun
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a drink that is thin and weak.
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foolish talk or writing; claptrap.
noun
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any thin weak drink
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rubbishy talk or writing
Etymology
Origin of wish-wash
First recorded in 1780–90; extracted from wishy-washy
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.
“He has common sense. He doesn’t put up with wish-wash; he’s not your standard politician. He stands up for principle and takes care of his people.”
From The Guardian ● Mar. 1, 2016
A slice of bread each and the wish-wash of a thrice-brewed pennyworth of tea had been their morning meal, and there was no prospect of dinner.
From Children of the Ghetto A Study of a Peculiar People by Israel Zangwill
Not a bad exchange for the Frenchman’s wish-wash claret, I suspect.”
From Ronald Morton, or the Fire Ships A Story of the Last Naval War by T. Hoggans
“Bertha, another cup of tea;” “Bertha, some more milk;” “Bertha, you haven’t given me sugar enough by half;” “Bertha, I like strong tea; no wish-wash for me.”
From Marmaduke Merry A Tale of Naval Adventures in Bygone Days by William Henry Giles Kingston
All the world was lapsing into a grey wish-wash of nothingness, she had no contact and no connection anywhere.
From Women in Love by D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
