kill (the) time

/kˈɪl ðə ɔː tˈaɪm/

/kˈɪl ðə ɔːɹ tˈaɪm/

[phrase]

to kill (the) time

[PHRASE]

to find a way to spend one's time while one waits for something

What is the origin of the idiom "kill time" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "kill time" can be traced back to the 18th century. The word "kill" in this context originally meant to pass or spend time in a nonchalant or unproductive manner. It is commonly used when there is a need to pass the time in a more enjoyable or engaging manner. The phrase can be used in personal, social, or professional settings, such as while waiting for appointments, during travel or commutes, or when experiencing downtime.

Examples

1. I started cleaning the windows, just to kill time.

2. We killed the time between trains playing video games.

3. Now I'm going to dance like five minutes to straight up kill time.

4. To be honest, lunch was pretty average, but it helped us kill time.