idle
adjective
not working or active; unemployed; doing nothing.
had been idling
-
past perfect progressiveof idle.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gonzalo Luna, who transports electronics across the border, was told that state officials had to inspect his truck, and seemed dismayed by how long he had been idling.
From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2022
By the end of the 1930s, Jolson’s eight-cylinder performance persona had been idling over in Hollywood.
From New York Times ● Mar. 30, 2022
Najjar and Ziberov had been idling in Najjar’s Honda for more than 20 minutes outside a random house along Gallery Court, having followed instructions for where to meet.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 7, 2020
A Navy warship had been idling near the Sixth Street docks to speed Lincoln to safety.
From Slate ● Mar. 26, 2013
I supposed you had been idling your time over the paper.
From Fame and Fortune or, The Progress of Richard Hunter by Horatio Alger
