go through the motions
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You should at least go through the motions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025
“It makes little sense to go through the motions of a three-week evidentiary hearing and all that would follow without a compliant route that can be permitted,” Commission Staff Attorney Kristen Edwards said.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023
One's heart goes out to those journalists who bothered to go through the motions of carefully debunking Carlson's lies, knowing that not even his followers believe him.
From Salon • Mar. 8, 2023
Because a lot of executives go through the motions but don’t actually enjoy genre.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2023
I go through the motions of flipping pages and scanning words, but I already know which entry’s heart beats the strongest or whatever, thanks to Dad.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.