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

What an incredible way to spend your time, because I've had other jobs that have felt like going through the motions or whatever.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

Said Curl: “We’re basically going against a starter every day in practice. ... It’s not like we’re going through the motions with the scout team.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2024

The dozen or so people in this car are all like me, going through the motions, stepping forward, trying not to run screaming from the train into the arms of Exclusion Guards with large guns.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed