idle threat
Toothless verbal menace
An idle threat is a warning of action or punishment that the speaker has no intention or ability to carry out.
The threat is empty—meant to intimidate but not backed by real consequence: His threats to quit were idle—he needed the job too much.
Parents learn that idle threats teach children which warnings to ignore.
- bluffCalculated false front
- emptyHolding nothing inside
- menaceSource of potential harm
- warningAlert about danger
- crying wolfIssuing false warnings
false alarm · harmless · intimidation · empty promise · empty words · moot · hollow · brinksmanship · toothless · mockery · posturing · chest thumping · tension · coercion · paper tiger · hot air · saber-rattling · bullying
idle threatcredible threat
Harm that seems likely
ultimatum · promise · guarantee · sworn oath · declaration of intent
idle threatcredible threat
Harm that seems likely
retribution · retaliation · decisive action · follow-through · imminent threat
idle, threat, idly, idleness, idler, idlers, idles, idled, idling