How to Pronounce "hand waving"
expression
ˈhænd/ /ˈweɪvɪŋ
HAND-way-ving
hˈænd/ /wˈeɪvɪŋ
HAND-way-ving
Definition
'Hand waving' means giving a vague, incomplete, or unclear explanation, usually to hide gaps in knowledge or avoid giving real answers. It can also mean using gestures instead of clear logic or details.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhænd/ /ˈweɪvɪŋ
British English
hˈænd/ /wˈeɪvɪŋ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HAND-way-ving
UK
HAND-way-ving
Listen in Context
Her explanation was just hand waving with no clear answer.
The teacher did some hand waving when the students asked about the difficult topic.
Don't use hand waving in your science report—give proper facts.
All that talk about the reasons was just hand waving—they don't actually know why it happened.