empty vow

[/ˈɛmpti vaʊ/]
nounpl: empty vows
promessa vazia
1. A promise or oath that is insincere, unfulfilled, or meaningless; a vow made without genuine intention to keep it
His apology was just an empty vow; he repeated the same mistakes the next week.
Seu pedido de desculpas era apenas uma promessa vazia; ele repetiu os mesmos erros na semana seguinte.
2. A solemn commitment or declaration that lacks substance, sincerity, or the ability to be honored
The politician's empty vows to improve education were not backed by any budget increases.
As promessas vazias do político de melhorar a educação não foram apoiadas por nenhum aumento orçamentário.
In both Brazilian and American cultures, 'empty vows' are frequently discussed in contexts of political campaigns, relationship trust, and business dealings. In Brazil, the phrase 'promessa de político' (politician's promise) is a common cultural reference implying skepticism. The concept reflects universal concerns about authenticity and trustworthiness in personal and public spheres.
NYC Slang
empty talk / all talk no action
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hollow promisebroken promisefalse promiseempty promiseinsincere vowunfulfilled pledge
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine vowsincere promisebinding commitmentkept promisefulfilled pledge

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
promessa vazia
Most common and widely understood translation
General Brazilian
juramento vazio
More formal alternative emphasizing the sworn nature
Portugal
promessa vã
Literary or formal variant; 'vã' is archaic/poetic for 'empty'
Portugal
voto oco
Alternative formal expression

Related Words

promisevowpledgeoathcommitmentsincerityintegritybroken word

Related Idioms & Phrases

talk is cheap
all hot air
actions speak louder than words
promise the moon and deliver nothing
full of hot air
prometer mundos e fundos (Portuguese idiom)
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