eyeservice

[ ahy-sur-vis ]

/ ˈaɪˌsɜr vɪs /

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noun

work or service done only when the employer is watching.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of eyeservice

First recorded in 1520–30; eye + service¹

eyeservant, eyeserver, noun

He was prepared to find among the men in his crew the average amount of laziness and eye–service, of ill–temper and jealousy.
Fighting the Sea|Edward A. Rand
Nor was this an unwilling obedience, an eye-service constrained by fear or force.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 91, May, 1865|Various
He knew he could not give up these things—eye-service, lip-service, heart-service—of which he had supped so thirstily.
Little Novels of Italy|Maurice Henry Hewlett
Those who undertake the task are only actuated by gain, and you can expect but eye-service.
Olla Podrida|Frederick Marryat (AKA Captain Marryat)

His was no eye-service; his conscience was engaged in his work and he did it efficiently.
Verner's Pride|Mrs. Henry Wood