fine words

Meanings

1. 1phrasepluraldisapproving

   Impressive or flattering statements that are not matched by real action.

   Grammar: Plural and usually used with a plural verb: 'Fine words are not enough.'

   Patterns

   • fine words from someone
   • fine words are not enough
   • nothing but fine words

   The mayor's fine words about the environment did not stop the new road being built.

   We have heard plenty of fine words from the company, but no pay rise has appeared.

   Fine words are not enough; we need a plan and a budget.

2. 2phrasepluralformalliterary

   Elegant or elaborate language, especially in writing or speech.

   Grammar: Plural; can be neutral when it simply describes elegant wording.

   Patterns

   • write fine words
   • speak fine words
   • full of fine words

   The letter was full of fine words, but it never answered my question.

   He wrote fine words about friendship in the card.

Common combinations

fine words are not enough

Fine words are not enough when families are struggling to pay rent.

nothing but fine words

The report was nothing but fine words and vague promises.

fine words from someone

We heard fine words from the minister, then the funding was cut.

fine words butter no parsnips

As my grandmother used to say, fine words butter no parsnips.

Synonyms and how they differ

empty promises

Focuses on promises that are not kept, while fine words focuses on impressive language that lacks action.

rhetoric

A more formal term for impressive-sounding language, often used in politics; fine words is plainer and more critical.

Opposites

Word family

fine adjective

In this phrase, 'fine' means impressive or elegant, not 'very good' or 'thin'.

Commonly confused: fine words or fine print?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fine words”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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