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go through the motions. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
go through the motions, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
go through the motions in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
go through the motions you have here. The definition of the word
go through the motions will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
go through the motions, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Verb
go through the motions (third-person singular simple present goes through the motions, present participle going through the motions, simple past went through the motions, past participle gone through the motions)
- (idiomatic) To do something in a mechanical, unreflective manner, especially as a matter of routine and without commitment or enthusiasm; to perform a task perfunctorily.
1905, Mark Twain, chapter 3, in The $30,000 Bequest:Aleck was a Christian from the cradle, and duty and the force of habit required her to go through the motions.
2005 June 12, Michael Kinsley, “No Smoking Gun”, in Washington Post:The whole "weapons of mass destruction" concern was phony from the start, and the drama about inspections was just kabuki: going through the motions.
Translations
do something in a mechanical manner
See also