painting rocks
pointless or futile work organised by the government, supposedly to increase employment but in fact merely disguising the unemployment level.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The government program is just painting rocks to keep people busy.”
“Critics argue that the new public works project is merely painting rocks, as it creates no real value for the economy.”
“While the administration claims these initiatives reduce unemployment, many observers view the entire scheme as little more than painting rocks, designed solely to mask deeper structural failures.”
- 01
hit rock bottom
To reach the lowest possible state in one's life.
- 02
hit the rocks
To reach a low point in one's pursuits.
- 03
kick rocks
To leave or run away; to skedaddle; to waste one's own time (with some other meaningless task) rather than waste the speaker's time with something equally irritating or pointless. (often used imperatively and dismissively).
- 04
piffy on a rock bun
A person ignored or sidelined from an activity
- 05
rock bottom
The very lowest possible level.
- 06
rock hound
A person who collects rocks and minerals from the natural environment as a hobby.
- 07
rock on
To party to music, especially rock, or to continue to perform any such music; to maintain a lifestyle in keeping with, or inspired by, youth rock culture.
- 08
rock out with one's cock out
To enjoy oneself immensely, to party.
Last updated August 10, 2026