Go Through The Motions (Verb)
Meaning
Pretend to do something by acting as if one was really doing it; "She isn't really working--she's just going through the motions".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The actors didn't truly understand their characters, and their performances looked like they were just going through the motions.
- After the loss of her loved one, she went through the motions of organizing her day, feeling empty and lost inside.
- The team seemed to be going through the motions during the football practice, following routine without any real passion or drive.
- It was clear to everyone that Sarah was going through the motions of her job, doing only what was necessary to collect a paycheck.
- As he continued to lead his company in a lackluster way, it seemed the CEO was just going through the motions of being a business leader.