49 Idioms for Wasting Time: Master English Expressions

Understanding idioms is crucial for mastering English, as they add color and depth to communication. Idioms related to wasting time are particularly useful in everyday conversations, allowing you to express frustration, amusement, or concern about unproductive activities.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to idioms about wasting time, offering definitions, examples, and practice exercises. It is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, who want to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

By exploring these idioms, you will not only improve your understanding of idiomatic expressions but also gain insights into the cultural nuances of the English language. Whether you’re preparing for an English exam, aiming to improve your conversational skills, or simply interested in expanding your vocabulary, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively use and understand idioms related to wasting time.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Idioms for Wasting Time
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Time-Wasting Idioms
• Examples of Idioms for Wasting Time
• Usage Rules for Time-Wasting Idioms
• Common Mistakes with Time-Wasting Idioms
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of Idioms for Wasting Time

Idiomsare expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the individual words. They are a type of figurative language that adds richness and color to communication.

Idioms related to wasting time specifically describe activities or situations where time is being used in an unproductive or frivolous manner.

These idioms can be classified based on their function. Some idioms describe the act of wasting time directly, while others focus on the futility or pointlessness of certain activities.

Understanding the context in which these idioms are used is crucial for accurate interpretation. For instance, an idiom might be used to express frustration with someone’s procrastination, or it might be used humorously to describe one’s own unproductive behavior.

The context in which these idioms are used is also essential. A formal setting might not be the best place to use some of the more colloquial idioms.

Conversely, informal conversations are a great place to use them to add color and personality to your speech.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of idioms related to wasting time varies. Some idioms are phrases, while others are complete sentences.

Many idioms consist of a verb and a preposition, or a verb and an adverb. The key is that the meaning of the idiom is not literal; it is figurative and culturally specific.

For example, the idiom “killing time” consists of the verb “killing” and the noun “time.” However, the meaning is not literally about ending time, but about occupying oneself with a trivial activity to make time pass more quickly. Similarly, “spinning one’s wheels” uses the imagery of a car stuck in mud to convey the idea of making no progress despite expending effort.

Understanding the structural components of idioms can help in memorizing and using them correctly. Paying attention to the verbs, nouns, and prepositions that make up the idiom can provide clues to its meaning and usage.

Types and Categories of Time-Wasting Idioms

Idioms for wasting time can be categorized based on their specific connotations. Here are some common categories:

1. Procrastination Idioms

These idioms describe the act of delaying or postponing tasks. They often convey a sense of avoidance or reluctance to start something important.

For example, “putting off until tomorrow what you can do today” encapsulates the essence of procrastination.

2. Futile Effort Idioms

This category includes idioms that describe activities that are unproductive or lead to no meaningful results. They often involve expending energy without achieving any tangible outcome.

An example is “beating a dead horse,” which means to waste effort on something that is already over or impossible to change.

3. Idle Activity Idioms

These idioms refer to activities that are aimless or without purpose. They often describe situations where someone is simply passing time without any specific goal in mind.

“Twiddling one’s thumbs” is a classic example, suggesting a state of boredom and inactivity.

4. Inefficient Use of Time Idioms

This category includes idioms that describe using time poorly or in a way that does not maximize productivity. They often involve distractions or interruptions that prevent someone from focusing on important tasks.

An example is “wasting time on trivialities,” which means focusing on unimportant details instead of significant matters.

Examples of Idioms for Wasting Time

The following tables provide numerous examples of idioms for wasting time, categorized for better understanding. Each idiom is accompanied by a definition and example sentence to illustrate its usage.

Table 1: Procrastination Idioms

This table focuses on idioms related to procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Putting off until tomorrow what you can do today	Delaying a task that could be done immediately.	I know I should start studying, but I’m putting off until tomorrow what I can do today.
Dragging your feet	Being deliberately slow or reluctant in doing something.	He’s been dragging his feet on this project for weeks now.
Stalling for time	Deliberately delaying something.	The politician was clearly stalling for time, avoiding the real questions.
Putting something on the back burner	Postponing a task to a later time.	We had to put the marketing campaign on the back burner due to budget cuts.
Kicking the can down the road	Avoiding or delaying a problem or decision.	The government is just kicking the can down the road by not addressing the issue now.
Leave it for another day	Postponing something to a future time.	I’m too tired to finish this report; I’ll just leave it for another day.
Defer to later	To put off to a future time.	Let’s defer this decision to later when we have more information.
Procrastinate	To delay or postpone action; put off doing something.	I know I need to finish this report, but I always procrastinate.
Hold off	Delay taking action.	Let’s hold off on making a decision until we hear from all parties involved.
Shelve	To put aside or postpone.	The project was shelved due to lack of funding.
Table	To postpone consideration of.	The motion was tabled until the next meeting.
Wait to see	Delay action to observe developments.	We’ll wait to see how the situation unfolds before making any decisions.
Take a rain check	Postpone a plan to a later date.	I’m busy tonight, can I take a rain check on dinner?
Delay	To put off to a later time; postpone.	We had to delay the start of the project due to unforeseen circumstances.
Postpone	To put off to a later time; defer.	The meeting has been postponed until next week.
Hold over	To postpone to a future time or date.	The issue was held over for further discussion.
Put over	To postpone or delay.	Let’s put over the discussion until tomorrow morning.
Set aside	To put aside for later consideration.	We’ll set aside this issue for further review.
Slow-walk	To deliberately delay or obstruct a process.	They are slow-walking the approval process to prevent the project from moving forward.
Let slide	To ignore or postpone dealing with something.	I decided to let it slide this time, but I won’t tolerate it again.
Take a breather	To pause or delay before continuing.	Let’s take a breather before tackling the next task.
Mark time	To do something without making real progress; to stall.	The team is just marking time until the new manager arrives.
Play for time	To delay in order to gain an advantage.	The lawyer was playing for time to gather more evidence.
Buy time	To gain extra time by delaying something.	We need to buy time to complete the negotiations.
Push back	To postpone or delay an event or deadline.	We had to push back the deadline due to unexpected delays.

Table 2: Futile Effort Idioms

This table provides idioms that describe activities that are unproductive or lead to no meaningful results.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Beating a dead horse	Wasting effort on something that is over or impossible to change.	I think we’re beating a dead horse; there’s no point in arguing about it anymore.
Flogging a dead horse	Similar to ‘beating a dead horse,’ wasting effort on something futile.	Trying to convince him is like flogging a dead horse.
Spinning your wheels	Expending effort without making progress.	I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels at this job.
Chasing your tail	Engaging in frantic but unproductive activity.	I’ve been chasing my tail all day, but I haven’t accomplished anything.
Going around in circles	Making no progress; repeating the same actions without result.	We’re just going around in circles with this discussion.
Barking up the wrong tree	Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.	If you think he’s the one who stole your wallet, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Pouring water into a sieve	Wasting effort on something that cannot be retained.	Trying to teach him is like pouring water into a sieve.
Sisyphusian task	A task that is endless and futile.	Cleaning the house with kids is a Sisyphusian task.
Tilting at windmills	Fighting imaginary enemies or pursuing unrealistic goals.	Arguing with him about politics is like tilting at windmills.
A fool’s errand	A task that has no hope of success.	Sending him to find the missing file is a fool’s errand.
A lost cause	Something that has no chance of succeeding.	Trying to fix this old car is a lost cause.
Hitting your head against a brick wall	Trying to do something that is impossible.	Trying to convince them is like hitting your head against a brick wall.
Water off a duck’s back	Having no effect on someone or something.	Criticism is like water off a duck’s back to him.
A shot in the dark	An attempt that has little chance of success.	Applying for that job was just a shot in the dark.
A wild goose chase	A fruitless search for something that is nonexistent or unattainable.	They sent us on a wild goose chase looking for the missing documents.
Climbing up a greasy pole	Trying to achieve something very difficult.	Getting promoted in this company is like climbing up a greasy pole.
Pushing water uphill	Attempting something extremely difficult or impossible.	Trying to change his mind is like pushing water uphill.
Building castles in the air	Daydreaming or making plans that are unlikely to come true.	They’re just building castles in the air with their unrealistic expectations.
Churning water	Engaging in activity that produces no results.	The team is just churning water, not making any real progress.
Empty gestures	Actions that appear meaningful but have no real effect.	Their promises were just empty gestures.
Paper-pushing	Dealing with routine administrative tasks that have little real value.	He spends most of his day paper-pushing.
Going nowhere fast	Making no progress despite being busy.	We’re going nowhere fast with this approach.
Floundering	Struggling or making little progress.	The project is floundering due to lack of direction.
Muddling through	Making slow or uncertain progress.	We’re just muddling through, hoping to find a solution.
Stumbling in the dark	Proceeding without clear direction or understanding.	We’re stumbling in the dark, trying to figure out what to do next.

Table 3: Idle Activity Idioms

This table focuses on idioms related to idle activities, which are aimless or without purpose.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Twiddling your thumbs	Doing nothing; being idle.	I was just twiddling my thumbs waiting for the meeting to start.
Killing time	Occupying oneself with a trivial activity to make time pass more quickly.	We were killing time at the airport by playing cards.
Whiling away the hours	Passing time in a pleasant or leisurely way.	We spent the afternoon whiling away the hours at the beach.
Loafing around	Spending time in an idle or lazy way.	The teenagers were loafing around at the mall.
Lazing around	Relaxing and doing nothing.	I spent the entire weekend lazing around.
Taking it easy	Relaxing and avoiding hard work or stress.	He’s been taking it easy since he retired.
Hanging out	Spending time relaxing or socializing.	We were just hanging out at the park.
Vegetating	Spending time in a passive and inactive way.	I spent the evening vegetating in front of the TV.
Doing nothing	Engaging in no activity.	I spent the day doing nothing but relaxing.
Being a couch potato	Spending a lot of time sitting and watching television.	He’s turned into a real couch potato since he got his new TV.
Chilling out	Relaxing and calming down.	We were just chilling out after a long day.
Taking a break	Pausing from activity to rest.	Let’s take a break and get some coffee.
Resting on your laurels	Relying on past achievements and not making new efforts.	He’s been resting on his laurels since his last success.
Daydreaming	Engaging in wishful thinking.	She was daydreaming about her vacation.
Slacking off	Avoiding work or responsibility.	He’s been slacking off lately.
Shilly-shallying	Failing to act decisively.	Stop shilly-shallying and make a decision.
Wasting time on social media	Spending too much time on social networking sites.	I wasted time on social media instead of finishing my work.
Window shopping	Looking at goods displayed in shop windows without intending to buy them.	We went window shopping to kill some time.
Going for a stroll	Taking a leisurely walk.	We went going for a stroll in the park to enjoy the weather.
Browsing aimlessly	Looking through items without a specific purpose.	I was just browsing aimlessly in the bookstore.
Dilly-dallying	Wasting time through aimless wandering or indecision.	Stop dilly-dallying and get to work.
Taking a scenic route	Choosing a longer route for the pleasure of the scenery.	We decided to take a scenic route on our road trip.
Taking a detour	Departing from a direct route.	We took a detour to visit a local attraction.
Taking a sabbatical	Taking time off from work for rest or study.	She took a sabbatical to write a book.
Taking a vacation	Taking time off from work for leisure.	We took a vacation to relax and recharge.

Table 4: Inefficient Use of Time Idioms

This table provides idioms that describe using time poorly or in a way that does not maximize productivity.

Idiom	Definition	Example Sentence
Wasting time on trivialities	Focusing on unimportant details instead of significant matters.	He’s always wasting time on trivialities instead of addressing the real issues.
Missed the boat	Missed an opportunity due to delay or inaction.	They missed the boat by not investing in that company earlier.
Lost time is never found again	Time that is wasted can never be recovered.	Remember, lost time is never found again, so use your time wisely.
Penny wise, pound foolish	Being careful about small amounts of money while being careless about large amounts.	They were penny wise, pound foolish by cutting costs on essential maintenance.
Spreading yourself too thin	Trying to do too many things at once, resulting in inefficiency.	He’s spreading himself too thin by taking on too many projects.
Burning the candle at both ends	Working too hard and not getting enough rest.	She’s been burning the candle at both ends trying to meet the deadline.
Cutting corners	Doing something poorly to save time or money.	They cut corners on the project, resulting in poor quality.
Taking the long way around	Choosing a longer or more complicated route.	He always takes the long way around to avoid traffic.
Getting sidetracked	Being distracted from the main task.	I keep getting sidetracked by emails and phone calls.
Going off on a tangent	Digressing from the main subject.	He always goes off on a tangent during meetings.
Getting bogged down in details	Becoming overly concerned with minor details.	We’re getting bogged down in details and losing sight of the big picture.
Reinventing the wheel	Wasting time and effort by creating something that already exists.	They’re reinventing the wheel by developing a new system that already exists.
Missing the forest for the trees	Focusing on details and failing to see the overall situation.	He’s missing the forest for the trees by focusing on minor issues.
Putting the cart before the horse	Doing things in the wrong order.	They’re putting the cart before the horse by planning the marketing campaign before developing the product.
Running around like a headless chicken	Acting in a frantic and disorganized manner.	He’s been running around like a headless chicken trying to meet the deadline.
Not seeing the wood for the trees	Similar to missing the forest for the trees; failing to grasp the whole picture due to focus on details.	They are not seeing the wood for the trees when they focus solely on individual tasks.
Overthinking	Thinking about something too much, leading to inaction.	You’re overthinking the problem. Just make a decision.
Being indecisive	Having difficulty making decisions.	His being indecisive is wasting everyone’s time.
Procrastinating	Intentionally delaying or postponing tasks.	She’s always procrastinating, which causes delays.
Getting lost in the weeds	Becoming entangled in minor details.	We’re getting lost in the weeds and losing sight of the main goal.
Wasting time on the small stuff	Focusing on unimportant tasks.	Don’t waste time on the small stuff when there are bigger issues to address.
Taking too long	Spending an excessive amount of time on a task.	You’re taking too long to complete this assignment.
Being inefficient	Not using time or resources effectively.	The office is being inefficient in managing its workload.
Not prioritizing	Failing to rank tasks in order of importance.	They are not prioritizing tasks effectively.
Getting distracted easily	Being easily diverted from the task at hand.	He is getting distracted easily and not staying focused.

Usage Rules for Time-Wasting Idioms

When using idioms related to wasting time, it’s important to consider the context and audience. Some idioms are more formal than others, and some may not be appropriate in certain situations.

Here are some general rules to follow:

1. Understand the meaning: Make sure you fully understand the meaning of the idiom before using it. Using an idiom incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
2. Consider the context: Use idioms that are appropriate for the situation. Avoid using overly casual or slang idioms in formal settings.
3. Know your audience: Be mindful of your audience’s familiarity with idioms. If you’re speaking to non-native English speakers, it’s best to use idioms sparingly or explain their meaning.
4. Use them sparingly: While idioms can add color to your speech, overusing them can make your language sound unnatural or forced.
5. Practice: The best way to master idioms is to practice using them in conversation and writing. Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms and try to incorporate them into your own language.

Also, remember that some idioms have variations. For example, “beating a dead horse” is sometimes expressed as “flogging a dead horse.” While the meaning is the same, it’s good to be aware of these variations.

Common Mistakes with Time-Wasting Idioms

Here are some common mistakes that learners make when using idioms related to wasting time:

• Misinterpreting the meaning: One of the most common mistakes is misunderstanding the meaning of the idiom. This can lead to using it in the wrong context or conveying the wrong message.
• Using them literally: Idioms are figurative expressions, so it’s important not to interpret them literally. For example, “killing time” doesn’t mean actually ending time, but rather occupying oneself with a trivial activity.
• Using the wrong form: Some idioms have specific grammatical structures that must be followed. Using the wrong form can make the idiom sound awkward or incorrect.
• Overusing idioms: While idioms can add color to your speech, overusing them can make your language sound unnatural.

Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He is literally killing time.	He is killing time by reading a book.	“Killing time” is a figurative expression, not a literal one.
We are beating the dead dog.	We are beating a dead horse.	The correct idiom is “beating a dead horse,” not “beating a dead dog.”
She is spinning her car wheels.	She is spinning her wheels.	The correct idiom is “spinning one’s wheels,” not “spinning her car wheels.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for wasting time with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list below.

Idiom List: beating a dead horse, killing time, spinning your wheels, putting off until tomorrow, missing the boat

Question	Answer
1. I know I should start studying, but I’m ____________ what I can do today.	putting off until tomorrow
2. We were ____________ at the airport by playing cards.	killing time
3. I feel like I’m just ____________ at this job; I’m not making any progress.	spinning your wheels
4. I think we’re ____________; there’s no point in arguing about it anymore.	beating a dead horse
5. They ____________ by not investing in that company earlier.	missed the boat
6. He keeps ____________ by checking social media every few minutes.	killing time
7. Stop ____________ and start working on the project!	putting off until tomorrow
8. Trying to change his mind is like ____________.	beating a dead horse
9. They are ____________ if they think they can still get the deal.	spinning their wheels
10. The company ____________ by not adopting the new technology sooner.	missed the boat

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in each sentence.

Question	Options	Answer
1. He’s been dragging his feet on this project for weeks. What does “dragging his feet” mean?	a) Moving quickly, b) Being deliberately slow, c) Working hard	b) Being deliberately slow
2. The politician was clearly stalling for time, avoiding the real questions. What does “stalling for time” mean?	a) Speaking quickly, b) Answering directly, c) Deliberately delaying	c) Deliberately delaying
3. We had to put the marketing campaign on the back burner due to budget cuts. What does “put on the back burner” mean?	a) Cancel completely, b) Postpone to a later time, c) Start immediately	b) Postpone to a later time
4. The government is just kicking the can down the road by not addressing the issue now. What does “kicking the can down the road” mean?	a) Solving the problem, b) Avoiding the problem, c) Ignoring the problem	b) Avoiding the problem
5. I’m too tired to finish this report; I’ll just leave it for another day. What does “leave it for another day” mean?	a) Do it now, b) Postpone it, c) Forget about it	b) Postpone it
6. Don’t spin your wheels trying to fix that old computer; it’s beyond repair.	a) Make progress, b) Exert effort fruitlessly, c) Relax and take it easy	b) Exert effort fruitlessly
7. They are barking up the wrong tree if they think I was responsible for the mistake.	a) Looking in the right place, b) Looking in the wrong place, c) Being helpful	b) Looking in the wrong place
8. If we’re just killing time, why don’t we go for a walk?	a) Being productive, b) Wasting time, c) Relaxing	b) Wasting time
9. He’s always wasting time on trivialities instead of addressing the real issues.	a) Important matters, b) Unimportant details, c) Urgent tasks	b) Unimportant details
10. They missed the boat by not investing in that company earlier.	a) Seized an opportunity, b) Missed an opportunity, c) Created an opportunity	b) Missed an opportunity

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, it’s useful to understand the origins and cultural contexts of idioms. Many idioms have historical roots or derive from specific cultural practices.

For example, the idiom “beating a dead horse” is thought to originate from the practice of attempting to revive a horse that is already dead, highlighting the futility of the effort.

Additionally,

understanding regional variations in idiom usage can be beneficial. While many idioms are widely understood, some may be more common in certain regions or dialects of English.

For instance, an idiom used in British English may not be as familiar to speakers of American English, and vice versa.

Exploring the use of idioms in literature and media can also deepen your understanding. Authors and filmmakers often use idioms to add depth and authenticity to their characters and stories.

Analyzing these examples can provide valuable insights into how idioms are used in context and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering idioms for wasting time is a valuable skill for English language learners. By understanding the definitions, structures, and usage rules of these idioms, you can enhance your vocabulary, improve your comprehension skills, and communicate more effectively.

Remember to practice using idioms in context and be mindful of your audience. With consistent effort, you can confidently incorporate idioms into your everyday conversations and writing, adding color and depth to your language.