go through the motions

Definition of Go Through The Motions in English :

1. go through the motions

pretend to do something by acting as if one was really doing it

Example Sentences:
'She isn't really working--she's just going through the motions'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Go Through The Motions

a.

to act or perform the task (of doing something) mechanically or without sincerity

b.

to mimic the action (of something) by gesture

to do something from habit or according to formalities, but without enthusiasm, personal involvement, etc.

n.

1. The act or process of changing position or place.

2. A meaningful or expressive change in the position of the body or a part of the body; a gesture.

3. Active operation: set the plan in motion.

4. The ability or power to move: lost motion in his arm.

5. The manner in which the body moves, as in walking.

6. A prompting from within; an impulse or inclination: resigned of her own motion.

7. Music Melodic ascent and descent of pitch.

8. Law An application made to a court for an order or a ruling.

9. A formal proposal put to the vote under parliamentary procedures.

10.

a. A mechanical device or piece of machinery that moves or causes motion; a mechanism.

b. The movement or action of such a device.

v. mo·tioned, mo·tion·ing, mo·tions

v.tr.

1. To direct by making a gesture: motioned us to our seats.

2. To indicate by making a gesture; signal: motioned that he was ready.

3. To make a motion (that something should happen).

v.intr.

To signal by making a gesture: motioned to her to enter.