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have been idling
  • present perfect progressive of idle.

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.

That brings up emotions that may have been idling for years.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2022

A look at San Pedro Bay, where dozens of ships have been idling for weeks, might give the impression that these companies are under duress.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2021

Amid a global supply chain snarl that has persisted for months, dozens of cargo ships have been idling off the coast of Southern California while they wait to dock, sometimes for several weeks.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2021

Off the coast of Los Angeles, more than two dozen container ships filled with exercise bikes, electronics and other highly sought imports have been idling for as long as two weeks.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2021

“You have been idling around the Bridewell prison.”

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson