going 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.
"But, in the moment, when you're going through the motions, I wish people wouldn't say that, because it hurts."
From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2026
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 ● Dec. 24, 2025
He was calling Speaker Mike Johnson, who was going through the motions of saying hello to patrons who had shown up for an early lunch.
From Slate ● Dec. 2, 2025
You’ve been going through the motions in life, but that’s when it gets very real.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2025
I try to follow Dr. Aurelius’s advice, just going through the motions, amazed when one finally has meaning again.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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