Full of hot air

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Meaning

Talking big with no substance, all puff.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to balloons; hot air lifts, slang by 1870s for bunk. A 1873 'New York Times' uses it for a tall tale.

Usage Examples

  • He's full of hot air; big talk, no do.
  • Full of hot air; that story's bunk.
  • She's full of hot air; promises flop.

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