kill time

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase kill time, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression kill time used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "kill time"

Meaning

This idiom is used to describe passing time, usually in a way that is not particularly productive. To “kill time” is to occupy oneself with activities that do not lead to any significant progress or outcome.

Etymology

This idiom is believed to have originated sometime in the 15th century, when knights would prepare for battle by killing animals for sport. “Killing time” in this sense would then refer to passing the time until the actual battle occurred. It has since become a widely used phrase to describe occupying oneself with meaningless activities.

Usage

The phrase is widely used as a verb phrase, but it can also be used as a noun phrase. Most commonly, it is used to refer to time-filling activities that are not particularly meaningful or productive, but it can also refer to activities done to pass the time in a pleasant way. Additionally, “killing time” has come to refer to a form of procrastination; often the activities that one does to pass the time are less important than more meaningful tasks that one should be doing.

Example Sentences

• I'm going to the movies to kill some time before my flight.
• After the meeting got canceled, we had to kill time with some casual conversation.
• I was just killing time when I stumbled across the best-selling book I had been looking for.
• I spent the afternoon killing time instead of studying for my upcoming exam.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.