空そら箸ばし

noun

touching food with chopsticks and then removing them without taking it (a breach of etiquette)

A specific Japanese dining etiquette violation; considered rude.

• 空そら箸ばしはマナー違い反はんです。

  Touching food with your chopsticks and then not taking it is a breach of etiquette.

• 彼かれは無む意い識しきに空そら箸ばしをしてしまった。

  He unconsciously touched the food with his chopsticks and then pulled them back without taking anything.