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go through the motions

[/ɡoʊ θruː ðə ˈmoʊʃənz/]
verb phrase
cumprir por formalidade; fazer algo mecanicamente
1. To perform an action or routine in a mechanical, disinterested, or superficial way without genuine effort or enthusiasm
He was just going through the motions during the meeting; it was clear he didn't care.
Ele estava apenas cumprindo por formalidade durante a reunião; era claro que ele não se importava.
2. To do something out of habit or obligation rather than with genuine interest or commitment
She's been going through the motions in her job for months now.
Ela tem cumprido mecanicamente seu trabalho há meses.
NYC Slang
phoning it in; sleepwalking through something
Synonyms
half-heartedperfunctorymechanicalgo through the formalitiesphone it in
Antonyms
put one's heart into itbe fully engagedbe committed

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cumprir por formalidade; fazer mecanicamente
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
fazer de má vontade; cumprir à força
Emphasizes reluctance in execution
São Paulo
fazer por fazer; cumprir protocolo
Business context preferred
Portugal
cumprir por rotina; fazer por obrigação
Emphasis on duty and routine

Related Idioms & Phrases

half-hearted attempt
mechanical routine
going through the formalities
just for show
token effort
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