hot air
Plural
hot airs
1
a statement that is untrue, exaggerated, or meaningless
The idiom "hot air" has its origin in the concept of heated or inflated air that lacks substance or significance. The phrase metaphorically refers to empty or exaggerated talk that lacks truth, substance, or value. It is used to imply that the speaker is engaging in idle chatter, making grandiose claims, or offering empty promises without any real substance or intention to follow through.
- The politician's speech was filled with hot air, making promises that were never fulfilled.
- Don't pay attention to his boasting; it's just hot air without any real achievements to back it up.
- She was tired of his constant hot air about starting a business but never taking any concrete steps.
- The salesman's pitch was nothing but hot air, with exaggerated claims about the product's effectiveness.
- He dismissed their empty promises as mere hot air, knowing they had no intention of fulfilling their commitments.
Synonyms:
2
air made hot, causing it to lift
- The balloon floated because it was filled with hot air.
- Hot air rises, which is why chimneys work efficiently.
- The scientist demonstrated the principle of hot air in the classroom.
- Hot air currents can affect weather patterns.
- The campfire warmed the tent with hot air.