lip service

Definition

Promising but empty talk; words without action or intention.

Etymology

First use appears c. 1590, in A Treatise against Witchcraft by Henry Holland. Compare earlier lip-labour.

Example Sentences

• "The candidate gave lip service to fixing the problems, but it is doubtful that he will do much."
• "Don’t madam me, — I can’t bear none of your lip service. I’m a plain-spoken woman, that’s what I am, and I like other people’s tongues to be as plain as mine."
• "Your love is thick, and it swallowed me whole / You're so much braver than I gave you credit for / That's not lip service"