handwaving

Actions, words, or ideas that are meant to impress or appear convincing but which are in reality insubstantial or inconsequential. (Sometimes hyphenated or spelled as two words.) The governor has been doing a lot of political handwaving over the issue of immigration lately, but few suspect that anything will actually be accomplished in the coming year. Enough with the hand-waving—just give me a direct answer! What we need is actual policy change, not this pointless political handwaving!

See also:

airy-fairy
snack down
run on fumes
run on empty
play a bit part
play a bit part (in something)
give (one) a slap on the wrist
small beer
small beer/small potatoes

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