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

For example, if you hate your commute to work, try leaving earlier to avoid traffic or play a podcast or audio book to pass the time.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

Sometimes, he said, he would join Alanís Garcia at the Oxnard Sunday flea market to walk around and pass the time.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025

Paul started “dabbling” in this art in late 2023, while confined mainly to his chair—both to pass the time and as a fun distraction from reality.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2025

The Vessels, during her time at the Birthing Unit, had done the same thing: found things to joke about, ways to pass the time.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry