B2 Informal Deception

„Man speiste ihn mit leeren Worten ab."

He was put off with fine speeches.

Man speiste ihn mit leeren Worten ab. — German idiom meaning: He was put off with fine speeches. (B2)
Man speiste ihn mit leeren Worten ab. — German idiom reference | DeuTale

What does „Man speiste ihn mit leeren Worten ab." mean in German?

„Man speiste ihn mit leeren Worten ab." means "He was put off with fine speeches.." Literally: "One fed him off with empty words.."

Literal Translation

"One fed him off with empty words."

Man One
speiste fed
ihn him
mit off
leeren with
Worten empty
ab words

English Equivalent

"He was fobbed off with empty promises."

This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.

Grammar Notes

Passive sense with 'man'; separable verb

When is this idiom used?

Informal

This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.

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