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burn time

idiom
Meaning

To waste time unnecessarily.


Examples
SIMPLE

We burn time playing games while waiting for the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

Since the meeting was delayed by an hour, we had to burn time in the lobby reading old magazines.

COMPLEX

Rather than focusing on the urgent deadline, the team continued to burn time discussing trivial matters that had no impact on the final project.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  6. 06

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  7. 07

    borrowed time

    A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

  8. 08

    burn a hole in someone's pocket

    To cause someone to spend money or be tempted to spend money.

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