Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
idle threat
noun
/ˈaɪ.dəl θrɛt/
Definition
A statement that suggests harm or punishment but is not intended to be taken seriously.
Examples
- “If you don’t finish your homework, I’ll take away your video games,” is often just an idle threat.
- Many parents make idle threats as a way to motivate their children without any real intention of acting on them.
Meaning
An idle threat is a type of threat that lacks intent to carry it out. It often serves as a means of expressing frustration or exerting power over someone without an actual desire to follow through with the threat.
Synonyms
- empty threat
- veiled threat
- non-serious threat
