lip service
Meaning
Insincere or superficial expression of support or agreement without real action or commitment.
Origin
Emerging in early 20th-century English as the phrase 'pay lip service,' it uses the metaphor of words from the lips only—verbal support without action.
Notes
Negative nuance—criticizes support that lacks action. Used in casual to formal contexts; typically critical.
Examples
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Politicians often pay lip service to environmental protection but approve harmful projects.
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The company gave lip service to diversity, yet its hiring practices didn't change.
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Don't just pay lip service to safety—follow the procedures.
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He paid lip service to the idea of reform without proposing any concrete steps.
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Employees were tired of management's lip service about work-life balance.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually a noun (often uncountable). Common collocation: 'pay/give lip service to [something]'. Example: 'pay lip service to safety.' Can be used as 'lip service to [noun]'.
Synonyms
- empty words
- mere words
- token support
- verbal support
- platitudes
Antonyms
- genuine support
- real commitment
- concrete action
- follow-through