Quieting the surrounding swirl of a Steven Spielberg prestige drama with mere gestures and huffs of breath, Day - Lewis does exactingly good character work in a film that, despite its good intentions and stately execution, occasionally borders on thumping, pedantic history lesson. (theatlantic.com)
Democracy as mere gesture [2] became characteristic of the cultural initiatives that flourished under Imelda's regime. (ibraaz.org)
Other physical expressions of affection do not go beyond the level of a mere gesture; they remain a symbol of the union desired. (faith.org.uk)