pass the time
To occupy oneself during a period of spare time. If you're looking for a way to pass the time, we have plenty of great books to read!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
pass the time (of day)
to spend time doing something; to consume or use spare time by doing something. I read to pass the time while waiting in the doctor's office. I passed the time of day by talking to Dave.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
pass the time
1. Occupy oneself for an interval, as in The plane was six hours late but I passed the time reading a book.
2. pass the time of day. Exchange greetings, engage in pleasantries, chat, as in Whenever I met her we would stop to pass the time of day. [First half of 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
pass the/your ˈtime (doing something)
spend your time (doing something), often while you are waiting for something else: They told each other jokes to pass the time while waiting for the next train. ♢ We passed our time making plans for the weekend.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017