pass the time

Idioms  

1. Occupy oneself for an interval, as in The plane was six hours late but I passed the time reading a book .

2. pass the time of day . Exchange greetings, engage in pleasantries, chat, as in Whenever I met her we would stop to pass the time of day . [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

To pass the time, they weaved bracelets and rings out of plastic bags and talked about their homeland.

From Los Angeles Times

Bored out of their minds, they riff on customers and even play hockey to pass the time.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I do realize that Mrs. Clarke was just now imitating a bullfighter, and therefore you must have thought it was a splendid idea and an enjoyable way to pass the time. And it is, certainly, but only within reason. Do you understand?”

From Literature

It’s often too hot to go outside, so people pass the time inside, wandering the converted hangars or browsing on their phones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Migrants pass the time at Oasis de Migrante shelter in Juárez.

From Los Angeles Times