Empty threat is a phrase used to describe an IDLE or empty promise that has no real intention of being fulfilled. It is often used to describe a person who makes threats but does not follow through with them. The crossword solutions for the term 'empty threat' are IDLE (4 letters) and PAPERTIGER (10 letters). IDLE is an adjective meaning having no purpose or activity, while PAPERTIGER is a noun referring to someone who appears to be powerful but is actually weak and ineffectual. Together, these two words accurately describe the concept of an empty threat.