Sure! Let's break down the term "idle words" in a simple way.
Definition
Idle words are words that are empty or meaningless. They are often insincere or exaggerated talk that doesn’t really have a purpose or truth. When someone uses idle words, they are just talking without saying anything of value.
Usage Instructions
"Idle words" is a noun phrase. You can use it to describe someone’s speech or writing when it lacks substance.
You usually use it in a negative context, implying that what someone is saying is not serious or important.
Example
"During the meeting, he filled the time with idle words instead of giving us real solutions."
"I’m tired of his idle words; I want him to take action instead."
Advanced Usage
In literature or speeches, "idle words" can refer to flowery language that sounds nice but doesn’t convey real meaning or intention.
It can be used to critique political speeches that promise a lot but deliver little.
Word Variants
Idleness (noun): This refers to the state of being inactive or not being productive.
Idle (adjective): This means not active or not in use, like "idle hands" (hands that are not busy).
Different Meanings
Synonyms
Empty talk
Twaddle
Nonsense
Hot air
Empty rhetoric
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
"Talk is cheap": This means that it is easy to say things, but those words may not be backed by action or truth. This is similar to the idea of "idle words."
"Blow hot air": This idiom means to talk a lot without saying anything of importance, similar to using idle words.
Summary
In short, "idle words" are words that don’t really mean anything or are just for show. They are often used to criticize someone who is speaking without providing real information or value.