They called it a direct assault on the District and a cynical gesture by Republicans interested in expanding voucher programs around the country at the expense of public schools.

Frock waggled his finger in an uncharacteristicly cynical gesture.

"It was a pretty cynical gesture," said Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur, executive director of the Vermont Democratic Party.

In answer to a question, the general said he had no reason to believe that the I.R.A.'s act was a "cynical gesture" to allow the group to return to violence.

He indicated his withered frame with a dismissive, cynical gesture.

"A cynical, manipulative gesture meant to incite a sympathetic attitude among the troops."

Some might see it as a cynical gesture.

"Some would say that Milosevic let them go as a cynical gesture, but what would they have said if he had kept them?"

This is a cynical gesture to the safety of the whole of Europe.

But unless the President says no to Mr. Lott's preferences and comes up with distinguished choices of his own, this very good idea will seem just a cynical gesture.