spending time doing nothing; not working or active, running at a slow speed with the engine running but the vehicle not moving

idle talk, idle hands, idle threat

Formal and Informal Expressions of idling

In different contexts, you can replace 'idling' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'inactive, unoccupied' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'lazy, slacking' is a commonplace synonym.

idling: Explore its Definition & Usage

idling Definition

1spending time doing nothing; not working or active
2running at a slow speed with the engine running but the vehicle not moving

Using idling: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "idling" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He was idling away his time in the park.
Example
The car was idling at the traffic light.
Example
She accused him of idling his life away.

idling Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for idling

Antonyms for idling

Phrases with idling

idle talk
talk that is not important or meaningful
Example
I don't want to hear any more idle talk about this issue.
idle hands
hands that are not busy and therefore likely to get into mischief
Example
Idle hands are the devil's workshop.
idle threat
a threat that is not serious and is unlikely to be carried out
Example
Don't pay attention to his idle threats.

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Summary: idling in Brief

'Idling' [ˈaɪd(ə)lɪŋ] describes spending time doing nothing or running at a slow speed without moving. It can refer to people, as in 'He was idling away his time in the park,' or vehicles, as in 'The car was idling at the traffic light.' Synonyms include 'inactive,' 'unoccupied,' and 'lazy,' while antonyms include 'active,' 'busy,' and 'productive.' Phrases like 'idle talk' and 'idle hands' add further nuance to the term.