The term "phony war" was originally used to describe the period at the beginning of World War II when little actual fighting took place, but it soon became a widely recognized phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts. There are a number of synonyms for "phony war" that can help convey a similar sense of tension or uncertainty. Some possible options include "cold war," "tense peace," "false truce," "pretend battle," "artificial conflict," and "imaginary war." These words all suggest a situation where there may be a sense of unease or danger but little actual action taking place, and they can be useful for writers and speakers looking to convey this kind of mood.