Meaning: To do something without passion or interest or real effort.

Examples:

Always try your best – don’t just go through the motions.

I can tell she doesn’t really love me. She’s just going through the motions.

Why don’t you change jobs if you feel like you’re just going through the motions?

Pop Quiz:

Which one is an example of somebody going through the motions?

A.  Making the same thing for dinner day after day without trying to make it delicious.

B.  Spending a long time writing an essay, trying to make it perfect.

C.  Paying attention in class, always doing your homework, and studying extra outside of class.

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

The correct answer is A. If you do the same thing all the time and don’t really try or care very much, then you’re going through the motions. But life and time are precious – so don’t just go through the motions!