through the motions

Idioms  

1. see go through the motions.

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Example Sentences

They may lack the zeal of the convert, but their faith remains deep in their bones—from growing up with a devout grandma, going to a parochial school, or even simply having gone through the motions for so many years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Traub encounters, too, a few students who can recite Shakespeare, many more who are dully going through the motions, and some so new to the country that to communicate in the classroom they use Google Translate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Bennett, age 91, and Mr. Hytner, 69, seem to be going through the motions with this effort, which feels like a forgettable Sunday-night PBS presentation.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his new training team, do the ringwalk and go through the motions.

From BBC

It’s an assembly of archetypes going through the motions, snow falling and lights twinkling all the while.

From The Wall Street Journal