glittering generality

[ glit-er-ing jen-uh-ral-i-tee ]

noun

1. a word or phrase that is used primarily to appeal to a person's emotions and values:

   They used glittering generalities like “freedom,” “civilization,” and “democracy” to boost support for the movement without talking about how to achieve those lofty goals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of glittering generality¹

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, the counsel seems to approximate a glittering generality for the reason that the opportunities for acting upon it no longer sprout on every bush as in the forties, fifties, sixties, and seventies of the present century when we were a budding nation and much of our territory was still virgin soil.

From Project Gutenberg

Carter replied with a glittering generality: “Your Uncle Sam has rolled up his shirt sleeves and means business.”

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of that “glittering generality,” which might serve as a motto for the wildest anarchy, the truth is, that men and races of men have certain natural capacities and duties, and the right to use the one and discharge the other.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a mere glittering generality to boast of a constitutional republic, if a President can violate the organic law with impunity, or if Congress is restrained in its assumptions only by its own sense of justice.

From Project Gutenberg

But I protest that there is such a masterly mistiness in it here and there, such a careful elusion of rocks and ruggednesses political, and such a fine wind-beating flourish of the banner of glittering generality, that I think there were more heads than one engaged in the concoction of the manifesto.

From Project Gutenberg