do-little

American  

[doo-lit-l] / ˈduˌlɪt l /

noun

1. a lazy person; one who does little but does not admit to it.

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Etymology

Origin of do-little

First recorded in 1580–90; do ¹ ( def. ) + little ( def. )

Example Sentences

For many years, postal reform was the poster child of a do-little Congress.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2016

When he ran for reëlection, in 2014, the Los Angeles Times editorial board preceded its endorsement of him by calling the position a “notoriously do-little job.”

From The New Yorker • Feb. 12, 2015

Big, grey-haired Andrew F. Schoeppel, the kind of do-little statesman whose name is likely to elude the most earnest followers of affairs in the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

The dignified, do-little Council of Europe is the unofficial talking box of Europe's elder statesmen and orators.

From Time Magazine Archive

Na, na,' quo' I, depend upon't the lard's been imposed upon wi that wily do-little deevil, Johnnie Howie.'

From The Antiquary — Volume 01 by Scott, Walter, Sir