What does “Go through the motions” mean?
"Go through the motions" means to perform an action without enthusiasm or genuine interest.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I could tell he was just going through the motions during the meeting.
Example
She didn't really want to go to the party, but she decided to go through the motions.
Example
He's been going through the motions at work lately, not putting in much effort
Is “Go through the motions” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go through the motions” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Go through the motions” effectively in context?
You can use "Go through the motions" to describe someone who is doing something without enthusiasm or genuine interest. It implies that the person is just going through the required actions without any real engagement. For example, if a coworker seems disinterested in a project, you might say, 'He's just going through the motions, not really contributing.'
- 1Work
He's been going through the motions at work lately, not putting in much effort.
- 2Social Events
She didn't really want to go to the party, but she decided to go through the motions.
- 3Meetings
I could tell he was just going through the motions during the meeting.
Similar phrases to “Go through the motions”:
Half-hearted
Lacking enthusiasm or genuine interest
Example
She made a half-hearted attempt to participate in the discussion.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go through the motions” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go through the motions" is unknown.
Is “Go through the motions” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go through the motions" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is not fully engaged or enthusiastic about what they are doing.
What tone does “Go through the motions” have?
"Go through the motions" conveys a tone of indifference or lack of genuine interest. It suggests that the person is merely going through the required actions without any real passion or commitment.
Can “Go through the motions” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go through the motions" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a lack of enthusiasm or genuine interest. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's just going through the motions at work.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "go through the motions"!' to imply doing something without enthusiasm.
