empty phrase

collocation in English

meaningsofemptyandphrase

These words are often used together. Click on the links below to explore the meanings. Or,see other collocations withphrase.
empty
adjective
uk
/ˈemp.ti/us
/ˈemp.ti/
not containing any things ...
See more atempty
phrase
noun[C]
uk
/freɪz/us
/freɪz/
language
a group of words that is part of, rather than the whole of, ...
See more atphrase

(Definition ofemptyandphrasefrom theCambridge English Dictionary© Cambridge University Press)

Examplesofempty phrase

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
But a secondary point is that relying on the mediating role of authority becomes anemptyphrasewhen rules have evolved over time.
From theCambridge English Corpus
In the course of its administration, there must be an alteration unless the term "partnership" is a merelyemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
The clause on mutual solidarity will remain just anemptyphraseif we do not connect these energy systems.
FromEuroparl Parallel Corpus - English
We know now that the expression "a good citizen of the world" is not anemptyphrase: it is a reality.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
I have never believed in thisemptyphraseabout a regional council with teeth.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
But that is anemptyphrasewithout the commitment and the finance to ensure its development.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
What we do desire is that noemptyphraseshould go forward, that everything should be fully discussed.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
We have always stressed the positive productivity element in the policy, and the results are proving that this was not just anemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
With all respect — that is not anemptyphrase— you are our ultimate custodian.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
It all silts up and "care in the community" becomes even more of anemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
That is anemptyphrase, which would result in magistrates and judges sending more people to prison, causing overcrowding.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
That is anemptyphrasebut it will not mean empty prisons.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
In my opinion, intercultural dialogue is not anemptyphrase.
FromEuroparl Parallel Corpus - English
It is perfectly clear that that is not anemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
It is anemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
That is noemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
This is not anemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
Is it merely one moreemptyphrase?
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
Conservatives believe that a property-owning democracy is more than anemptyphraseand are determined to see real ownership more widely distributed among all those working in industry.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
It is not just anemptyphrase.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
Want to learn more?
Go to the definition ofempty
Go to the definition ofphrase
See other collocations withphrase