What does “Lip service” mean?
"Lip service" means giving insincere support or agreement without taking any real action.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He paid lip service to the idea of equality, but his actions showed otherwise.
Example
The politician gave lip service to the issue, but never took any real action.
Example
The company's CEO only gave lip service to employee well-being, without implementing any meaningful changes
Is “Lip service” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Lip service” 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 “Lip service” effectively in context?
You can use "Lip Service" to describe someone's insincere support or agreement with an idea or cause. It implies that the person is only paying lip service and not taking any real action or showing genuine commitment. For example, if a friend constantly talks about the importance of environmental conservation but never actually takes any steps to reduce their own carbon footprint, you might say, 'They're just paying lip service to the cause.'
- 1Politics
The politician promised to address the issue, but it was clear they were only giving lip service to gain votes.
- 2Workplace
The company's management talked about valuing diversity, but it was evident that it was just lip service as there was no effort to promote inclusivity.
- 3Relationships
He said he loved her, but his actions showed lip service as he never made time for her or prioritized their relationship.
Similar phrases to “Lip service”:
Empty words
Insincere or meaningless statements
Example
His promises were just empty words, as he never followed through.
Talk the talk
To speak convincingly about something without taking action
Example
She talks the talk about healthy living, but her diet consists of junk food.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Lip service” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Lip Service" is unknown.
Is “Lip service” common in everyday conversation?
"Lip Service" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to criticize someone's insincerity or lack of genuine commitment to a cause or idea.
What tone does “Lip service” have?
"Lip Service" conveys a tone of skepticism and criticism. It implies that the person being described is not trustworthy or genuine in their support or agreement.
Can “Lip service” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "lip service" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that highlights insincerity and lack of genuine commitment. 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, 'He paid lip service to the cause, but his actions spoke louder.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Just "lip service"!' to express skepticism or disbelief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- tokenism
- hollow promises
- insincere agreement
- false support
- empty gestures
Antonyms
- actions speak louder than words
- genuine support
- sincere commitment
- walk the walk
