hand wringing
The term "hand wringing" is often used to describe both a physical gesture of distress and a figurative display of excessive or insincere concern.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(common)The act of clasping and twisting one's hands together as a sign of anxiety or distress.
Example
- Her constant hand wringing made it clear she was deeply worried about the outcome.
C1Figurative
(common, pejorative)An exaggerated or insincere display of concern or distress, often implying inaction.
Example
- The politician's hand wringing over the issue did nothing to solve the problem.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hand wringing":