symbolic gesture
Action conveying significance
A symbolic gesture is an action meant to express meaning or intent rather than achieve practical results.
The gesture signals attitude, solidarity, or principle: Lowering the flag to half-staff is a symbolic gesture of mourning.
The phrase often carries a dismissive edge, implying the action lacks real substance: The donation was a nice symbolic gesture, but it won't solve anything.
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- nodBrief head tilt
- hunger strikeProtest through refusing food
- solidarity marchUnified public walking demonstration
- bowRespectful forward inclination
kneeling · wave · white flag · salute · candlelight vigil · lighting candles · sit-in · olive branch · peace offering · laying flowers · ribbon cutting · silent protest · flag raising · thumbs-up · peace sign · raised fist · body language · taking a knee
- symbolismsymbols, allegory, metaphor, archetype, iconography
- ceremonieswedding ceremony, wedding, weddings, graduation, graduations
- gestureshand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder, snap fingers
- protestdemonstration, walkout, picket, protest march, sit-in
- kind gestureshandshake, apology, hug, helping hand, gift
- ExpressionismEdvard Munch, The Scream, Der Blaue Reiter, German Expressionism, woodcuts