hand wringing

noun2

1. •
   The repeated clasping or squeezing of the hands as a symptom of distress.

   • Whisperings filled the corridors with unearthly sounds — the hand-wringing and breast-beating of the elder sisters — the sighs and sobs of the younger. — 1862
2. •
   (figurative) A feigned exhibition of distress, usually with implied inaction or vacillating in the face of a dilemma or crisis.

   • On the one hand, there is the danger of ineffectual and often counterproductive conservative handwringing over the crisis. — 2001