mere formality

• rubber stampAutomatic approval device
• bureaucracyRigid administrative system
• perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
• tokenRepresentative placeholder
• gestureCommunicative body movement

checkbox · routine · paperwork · procedure · red tape · ceremonial · ritual · superficial · pro forma · obligatory · technicality · signature · approval · motions · symbolic · hollow · facade · pretense

• Empty Gestureslip service, crocodile tears, token effort, empty promise, going through motions