go through the motions

phrase

: to do something without much effort toward success

He said he was looking for a job, but he was just going through the motions.

Examples of go through the motions in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because a lot of executives go through the motions but don’t actually enjoy genre. — Jen Yamatostaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2023

Quarterback Sam Hartman, in his second game back after missing time with a medical condition, will not let his offense just go through the motions. — USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2022

Paul's presence won't allow the Suns staff to just go through the motions. — Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 20 Feb. 2022

Aside from an annoying habit of retreating to the locker room over injuries that turn out to be minimal, he’s been known to go through the motions — even in big games. — San Francisco Chronicle, 16 May 2021

Rhymes for go through the motions

• commotions
• demotions
• devotions
• emotions
• promotions
• lotions
• notions
• oceans
• potions