# phone in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/phone-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To fulfill a responsibility with a minimum effort rather than the appropriate level of effort.

## Examples

- He is just phoning it in at work lately.
- The actor clearly phoned it in during his performance, showing no real interest in the character.
- Rather than engaging with the complex issues of the project, the consultant simply phoned it in, providing a generic report that lacked any original insight.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.