kill time
KIL TYM
/kɪl taɪm/
To do something aimless or unproductive while waiting for a particular event or time.
Usually implies boredom or a need to distract oneself.
The story behind the word. The concept of 'killing' time suggests that time is an enemy that must be defeated or made to disappear when it is not useful to us. It has been used in English since the 18th century.
Word relationships
- pass the time: 'Pass the time' is neutral; 'kill time' implies the time is an obstacle to be overcome.
- save time: 'Save time' means to be efficient; 'kill time' is the opposite of efficiency.
Commonly confused with
- waste time: 'Waste time' implies you should be doing something else; 'kill time' implies you have nothing else to do.
Collocations
- trying to kill time
- ways to kill time
- just killing time
Example sentences
- "We had a three-hour layover, so we killed time by browsing the duty-free shops." Travel
- "I played games on my phone to kill time while waiting for the doctor." Waiting for an appointment
Memory hook
Imagine you are a hunter 'killing' the minutes so they don't bore you. Murder the minutes while you wait.
When not to use
Avoid in professional performance reviews to describe how you spend your workday.
Fun facts
- The French equivalent is 'tuer le temps', which literally means the same thing.
Related words
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