beau geste
nounEtymology Borrowed from French beau geste (literally “beautiful gesture”). */ˌboʊ ˈʒest/
1
A gracious gesture that is noble in form but often futile or meaningless in substance.
- Chamberlain's offer was enthusiastically welcomed by a section of the Zionists and by all with gratitude. It was a beau geste on the part of the Government, and a recognition that Herzl and his following were regarded seriously in serious quarters.1920, “The Zionist Congresses”, in G. W. Prothero, editor, Zionism:
- Real estate ventures provide opportunities for beau gestes that result in comfort and convenience.1982, Jean Baer, “The Jewish Elite Way of Life”, in The Self-Chosen: “Our Crowd” Is Dead, Long Live Our Crowd, New York, N.Y.: Arbor House, →ISBN, part 2 (Who’s Who), page 336:
1 more example
- In a magnificent beau geste, the destroyer, hopelessly trapped, turned as if to flee, threw out a smoke screen, and when the [enemy ship] charged into it, rammed her at flank speed […]1988, William Manchester, The Last Lion, volume 2, page 635: