through the motions
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But he’s a caring sort, even if he’s going through the motions, who believes that “integrity and respect and honesty are the key measures of character.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Slipping into survival mode, going through the motions without feeling the crushing weight of the reality of a situation, can be an adaptive response when you’re in the middle of a crisis.
From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026
The authors report that it didn’t work: “Checklists and templates are tempting, but they often result in employees ‘turning off their brains,’ going through the motions instead of thoughtful application.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
Despite the situation, some insist on going through the motions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026
Still, I’d go through the motions and hope to squeeze the man down to nineteen.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
