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to idle
01
to be at rest or not actively doing anything
Intransitive
Examples
During the afternoon, he chose to idle by the river and enjoy the scenery.
Workers idled for a break, chatting in the break room.
02
to run an engine slowly without being engaged in any work or gear
Intransitive
Examples
The car idled at the traffic light, waiting for the signal to change.
The generator idled quietly during the power outage.
idle
01
lacking responsibility or purposeful direction
Examples
The young heir led an idle life of indulgence.
Idle behavior in teenagers can worry their parents.
02
(of a machine, factory, or similar system) not operating or in active use
Examples
The factory has been idle since last month's power outage.
The engine remained idle while the workers took a break.
03
lacking reason or foundation
Examples
She laughed off the idle threats from her classmates.
He dismissed the rumor as idle speculation.
04
having little or no significance
Examples
They spent the afternoon in idle chatter.
His remarks were idle and added nothing to the discussion.
05
not engaged in any occupation
Examples
Many workers were idle after the factory closed.
She remained idle for months before finding a new position.
06
failing to produce results or benefits
Examples
The idle investment earned no interest.
Much of the farmland lay idle, producing nothing.
Idle
01
the condition of an engine or machine when it is running without performing work
Examples
The engine runs at idle while the car is stopped at a traffic light.
The technician checked the generator during its idle.
