1.
smooth talk; glib talk; relying on words alone
Talking skillfully with words but without genuine substance or follow-through. Implies that someone's actions or character do not match their polished speech. Often used critically.
口先三寸でその場を乗り切ろうとした。
He tried to get through the situation with smooth talk alone.
彼は口先三寸だから、話をうのみにしてはいけない。
He's all smooth talk, so don't take what he says at face value.
口先三寸で人を動かすことに長けているが、実行力がない。
He is skilled at moving people with clever words, but lacks the ability to follow through.
口先 (tip of the tongue; one's words) + 三寸 (three sun, a short traditional measure — referring to the small space of the mouth). Together: suggesting talk with no real substance behind it.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 口先三寸でごまかす: to gloss over with smooth words
- 口先三寸の人間: a glib person, someone all talk
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 口だけ: all talk — more colloquial and blunt
- 建前: stated principle vs. actual intention — more specific to social pretense