10 Idioms for Wasting Time

Idioms for wasting time are colorful expressions that describe procrastination, idleness, and unproductive behavior. From “killing time” to “chasing your tail,” these phrases capture the many ways we put off important tasks. In this post, you’ll learn 10 common idioms for wasting time, their origins, and how to use them naturally in conversation.

Simply put, these 10 idioms for wasting time are essential tools for describing procrastination and idle moments. Each one adds vivid imagery to everyday speech, helping you sound more natural and expressive in English.

Key Takeaways

• Idioms for wasting time make your English more colorful and precise.
• Most of these expressions come from everyday activities like farming, sailing, or simply doing nothing.
• You can use these idioms for wasting time in casual chats, workplace emails, and even formal writing.
• Knowing the origin of each idiom helps you remember its meaning and use it correctly.

What Are Idioms for Wasting Time?

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be guessed from the literal words. For example, “kill time” does not mean to murder time. It means to fill empty hours with unimportant activities.

Idioms for wasting time fall into a special category: they all describe the act of using time poorly.

These expressions are common in English-speaking countries. You will hear them in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations. According to the Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language, English contains over 25,000 idiomatic expressions.

Learning them will help you understand native speakers and express yourself more naturally.

• They add humor and imagery to your speech.
• They help you describe situations precisely.
• They make your English sound more fluent and idiomatic.

Here is a quick overview of the 10 idioms we will cover:

These ten expressions are the most common and useful ones you will encounter. Keep reading for the full list with definitions, origins, and examples.

Why Do We Use Idioms for Wasting Time?

Language experts say idioms make speech more vivid. Research from the University of Birmingham shows that idioms appear in roughly 25% of spoken English. That means you will encounter them constantly.

Idioms for wasting time are a small but popular subset of these expressions.

Why do we need so many ways to say “waste time”? Because time is valuable. We all know what it feels like to lose an hour scrolling on our phones.

These idioms help us laugh at ourselves and share that common experience.

1. They create shared understanding. Everyone knows what “killing time” feels like.
2. They add personality. Saying “I’m just twiddling my thumbs” is more fun than “I’m bored.”
3. They improve storytelling. Idioms paint pictures in the listener’s mind.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, many of these phrases have been used for centuries. They connect us to older generations and to cultural traditions. Mastering these 10 idioms will boost your comprehension and speaking skills.

1. Kill Time – The Classic Way to Waste Hours

The most famous idiom for wasting time is “kill time.” It means to do something unproductive while waiting for a scheduled event. You might kill time at the airport, in a waiting room, or before a meeting starts.

The phrase dates back to the 1700s. It comes from the idea that time is dragging slowly, and you need to “kill” it to make it go faster. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the expression became popular in the 19th century.

• Example: “We arrived early, so we killed time by playing cards.”
• Example: “I always kill time by scrolling through social media.”
• Synonym: “pass the time”

Tip: Use “kill time” when you have a specific deadline ahead, like a doctor’s appointment or a flight.

This idiom is neutral in tone. You can use it in both casual and professional settings. Just remember that “kill” is a strong word, so in very formal writing, “pass the time” is safer.

2. Twiddle Your Thumbs – The Idle Gesture of Boredom

When you literally twiddle your thumbs, you rotate them around each other. This gesture shows boredom and impatience. As an idiom for wasting time, it means waiting with nothing to do.

The expression has been around since the 1800s. It refers to the nervous habit people have when they are stuck in a waiting room or office with no tasks. It is a vivid image that everyone recognizes.

• Example: “I spent the whole afternoon twiddling my thumbs while my boss was in a meeting.”
• Example: “Stop twiddling your thumbs and help me with these boxes.”

Important: This idiom is always used with a possessive pronoun: my, your, his, her, our, their. Do not say “twiddle the thumbs.”

In the workplace, “twiddling your thumbs” is a common complaint. Employees use it to describe days when there is no work. Managers use it to warn about wasted productivity.

It is a great idiom for describing passive idleness.

According to the British Council, idioms like this are among the hardest for English learners because they are culturally specific. But once you master them, you will sound much more natural.

3. Dilly-Dally – The Art of Silly Procrastination

“Dilly-dally” is a fun expression that means to waste time by delaying or loitering. It often involves small, silly distractions instead of getting to the point. This idiom for wasting time has a playful tone.

The word comes from the 1700s. It combines “dilly,” which meant something delightful, and “dally,” which meant to flirt or delay. Over time, it came to mean any kind of unproductive hesitation.

• Example: “Quit dilly-dallying and make your decision.”
• Example: “We dilly-dallied at the café until it was too late to go to the movie.”

You can use “dilly-dally” in casual speech. It is not rude, but it does carry a sense of mild frustration. Parents often say it to children who are taking too long to get ready.

Warning: Do not use “dilly-dally” in formal reports. It is too informal for business writing.

This idiom is a great example of reduplication, where two similar-sounding words are paired together. Other examples include “hocus-pocus” and “wishy-washy.”

4. Lollygag – The Southern Charm of Laziness

“Lollygag” is an American idiom that means to move slowly, dawdle, or waste time. It has a relaxed, almost humorous feel. This idiom for wasting time is especially popular in the southern United States.

The exact origin is unclear. Some linguists believe it comes from the dialect word “lallygag,” which meant to flirt. Others think it combines “lolly” (tongue) and “gag” (to joke).

Either way, it has been used since the 1800s.

• Example: “Stop lollygagging and get to work.”
• Example: “We lollygagged around the mall for two hours.”

In a study by the University of Birmingham, researchers found that regional idioms like “lollygag” are less commonly understood outside their home regions. However, thanks to movies and TV, most English speakers now recognize it.

Tip: Use “lollygag” when you want to sound playful rather than angry. It softens the criticism.

This idiom is perfect for describing lazy afternoons, slow walkers, and anyone who seems to be moving in slow motion.

5. Fritter Away – Wasting Time in Small Pieces

“Fritter away” means to waste time or money little by little. It suggests that you are not losing huge chunks at once, but rather small pieces that add up. This idiom for wasting time is very common in both speech and writing.

The verb “fritter” comes from the French word “friture,” meaning a small fried cake. Just as you might eat several small fritters, you can fritter away an entire afternoon in tiny distractions.

• Example: “She frittered away the morning on social media.”
• Example: “Don’t fritter away your youth on pointless arguments.”

This idiom is more formal than “dilly-dally” or “lollygag.” You can use it in essays, presentations, and even performance reviews. It carries a sense of regret about wasted time.

Important: Always include the word “away” after “fritter.” You cannot say “fritter time” without “away.”

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “fritter away” has been in use since the early 1800s. It remains one of the most precise ways to describe incremental time-wasting.

6. Goof Off – The Fun Side of Being Unproductive

“Goof off” is a casual phrasal verb that means to waste time instead of working. It has a lighthearted tone. When you goof off, you are avoiding responsibilities and having fun instead.

This idiom for wasting time is widely used in North America.

The term comes from the 1940s, when “goof” meant a silly person. To “goof off” was to act like a goof. It became popular in schools and workplaces to describe playful laziness.

• Example: “The students goofed off instead of studying for the exam.”
• Example: “We goofed off at the park all afternoon.”

Unlike some idioms, “goof off” can be used as a noun. A “goof-off” is a person who avoids work. You can also say “goofing around,” which is slightly different but similar.

Warning: Do not use “goof off” in a formal performance review. It sounds too childish. Instead, say “failed to use time productively.”

This idiom is perfect for describing casual, harmless time-wasting with friends. It is less negative than “slack off,” which implies neglecting real duties.

7. Drag Your Feet – The Slow Walk of Reluctance

“Drag your feet” means to procrastinate or delay an action intentionally. It comes from the literal image of someone walking slowly by dragging their heels. This idiom for wasting time is common in business and politics.

The expression became popular in the late 1800s. It was used to describe workers who moved slowly because they did not want to do their tasks. Today, it often refers to companies or governments that delay decisions.

• Example: “The city council is dragging its feet on the new park.”
• Example: “Stop dragging your feet and sign the contract.”

This idiom is slightly more formal than others on this list. You can use it in news articles, meetings, and emails. It implies that the delay is intentional and annoying.

Tip: Use “drag your feet” when you want to criticize a delay without naming a specific person. It is a polite way to point out procrastination.

According to language experts, “drag your feet” is one of the most used idioms in business English. It appears in many corporate training materials and communication guides.

8. Spin Your Wheels – The Frustration of No Progress

“Spin your wheels” means to put in effort but get nowhere. It comes from the image of a car stuck in mud or snow. The wheels spin, but the vehicle does not move.

This idiom for wasting time is perfect for describing unproductive effort.

The phrase became common in the mid-20th century with the rise of automobiles. It is now used in many contexts, from work projects to personal goals.

• Example: “We spent three hours in the meeting, but we were just spinning our wheels.”
• Example: “I feel like I’m spinning my wheels on this project.”

This idiom is different from others because it implies you are working hard, but the work is useless. It is a great way to describe inefficient meetings, repetitive tasks, or lack of results.

Important: “Spin your wheels” is always negative. Do not use it to describe a fun or relaxing waste of time.

In a survey by the Harvard Business Review, employees reported that 67% of meetings are “wheel-spinning sessions.” This idiom captures that feeling perfectly.

9. Let the Grass Grow Under Your Feet – The Cost of Inaction

“Let the grass grow under your feet” means to delay or hesitate for too long. It suggests that you are standing still for so long that grass starts growing. This idiom for wasting time is used to warn against procrastination.

The phrase has roots in farming. If you stay in one place too long, weeds and grass will cover your fields. It was first recorded in the 1600s and remains popular today.

• Example: “If you let the grass grow under your feet, you’ll miss the opportunity.”
• Example: “The company did not let the grass grow under its feet; it launched the product immediately.”

This idiom is a bit longer than others, so it is often used for emphasis. It is common in motivational speeches and advice columns.

Warning: This idiom is almost always used in the negative form: “do not let the grass grow under your feet.” The positive form is rare.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, this idiom is considered old-fashioned but still understood by most English speakers. It adds a rustic charm to your language.

10. Chase Your Tail – The Endless Loop of Busywork

“Chase your tail” means to be very busy but accomplish nothing. It comes from the image of a dog chasing its own tail in circles. This idiom for wasting time is perfect for describing frantic but pointless activity.

The expression became popular in the 1960s. It is often used in workplaces where people are constantly busy but never finish anything. It is similar to “spin your wheels,” but with more frantic energy.

• Example: “I’ve been chasing my tail all day with these emails.”
• Example: “Stop chasing your tail and focus on one task.”

This idiom is very vivid and easy to remember. It is common in both American and British English. You can use it to describe a chaotic day, a disorganized team, or your own frustration.

Tip: Use “chase your tail” when you want to emphasize the frantic, circular nature of the wasted effort.

In a study by the American Psychological Association, 40% of workers said they often feel like they are “chasing their tails” at work. This idiom captures a modern epidemic of unproductive busyness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “kill time” mean?

“Kill time” means to do something to make time pass faster while waiting. It is the most common idiom for wasting time. For example, you might kill time by reading a book before a meeting.

Are idioms for wasting time used in formal writing?

Some are, but most are informal. “Fritter away” and “drag your feet” can appear in formal reports or news articles. “Dilly-dally” and “goof off” are too casual for professional documents.

What is the difference between “dilly-dally” and “lollygag”?

Both mean to waste time or move slowly. “Dilly-dally” suggests indecision and silly delays. “Lollygag” suggests a lazy, relaxed pace.

They are synonyms, but “lollygag” has a more southern American flavor.

How can I remember these idioms?

Connect each idiom to a mental image. Picture a dog chasing its tail for “chase your tail.” Picture grass growing under a standing person for “let the grass grow under your feet.” The images make the meanings stick.

Do other languages have idioms for wasting time?

Yes. Spanish has “dar vueltas” (to go in circles) and “perder el tiempo” (to lose time). French has “tourner en rond” (to turn in circles).

These idioms show that wasting time is a universal human experience.

Final Thoughts

These 10 idioms for wasting time are powerful tools for describing procrastination and idle moments. Use them to sound more natural, add humor, and connect with native speakers. Practice one idiom each day, and soon you will use them without thinking.