blank shell

A shell casing that contains gunpowder but no projectile, used for training, signaling, or ceremonial purposes; also used metaphorically to describe something that appears functional but lacks substance or real content.

• 🇷🇺Гильза, содержащая порох, но без снаряда, используемая для тренировок, сигнализации или церемониальных целей; также используется метафорически для описания чего-то, что выглядит функциональным, но лишено сути или реального содержания.

1. Ammunition without projectile B2 formal

   A cartridge that contains gunpowder but no bullet, used for training, signaling, or ceremonial purposes.

   • The soldiers fired blank shells during the training exercise.
   • Blank shells are used in movies to simulate gunfire safely.
   • The cannon fired a blank shell as a salute.

   🇷🇺Холостой патрон

2. Figurative: Something empty or ineffective C1 informal

   A person or thing that appears to have substance but lacks real power, meaning, or effect.

   • His promises turned out to be just a blank shell.
   • The company's new policy was a blank shell with no real changes.
   • She felt like a blank shell after the exhausting week.

   🇷🇺Пустая оболочка