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idle threat

noun

Definition of idle threat

: a threat that a person does not really mean to follow through with
  • She said she would leave him, but he knew it was an idle threat.

Word by Word Definitions

idle play

  1. : lacking worth or basis : vain

  2. : not occupied or employed: such as

  3. : having no employment : inactive

  1. : to spend time in idleness

  2. : to move idly

  3. : to run at low power and often disconnected usually so that power is not used for useful work

See the full definition of idle
threat play

  1. : an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage

  2. : one that threatens

  3. : an indication of something impending

  1. : threaten

See the full definition of threat

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