What does “Hot air” mean?
"Hot air" means that someone is engaging in empty, meaningless talk or making promises that they have no intention of keeping.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The politician's speech was just hot air with no substance.
Example
Don't listen to his promises, they're all just hot air.
Example
She's always full of hot air and never follows through on anything
Is “Hot air” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hot air” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Hot air” effectively in context?
You can use "Hot air" to describe empty, meaningless talk or promises. It implies that someone is speaking without substance or sincerity. For example, if a friend makes grand promises but never follows through, you might say, 'Don't listen to his promises, they're all just hot air.'
- 1Politics
The politician's speech was just hot air with no substance.
- 2Distrust
She's always full of hot air and never follows through on anything.
- 3Skepticism
Don't listen to his promises, they're all just hot air.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hot air” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hot air" is unknown.
Is “Hot air” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hot air" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to criticize someone for making empty promises or speaking without sincerity.
What tone does “Hot air” have?
"Hot air" conveys a tone of skepticism and criticism. It's often used to express doubt or distrust towards someone's words or intentions.
Can “Hot air” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "hot air" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of empty talk or promises. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions, presentations, or written communication.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The politician's speech was just hot air.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'All he does is "hot air"!' to imply someone's tendency to make empty promises.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- empty talk
- hollow words
- false promises
- deceptive talk
- meaningless chatter
Antonyms
- genuine talk
- sincere promises
- meaningful communication
- substantive discussion
