through the motions

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We just kept going through the motions.

From Literature

Sri Lanka came up just short of pulling off the second-highest chase in World Cup history after some late big hitting from captain Dasun Shanaka as Pakistan's players went through the motions.

From BBC

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