as a matter of form
a matter of form
That which is done for the sake of procedure, formality, appearances, or the accepted norm, often implying a lack of usefulness or necessity. I know we already covered the chapter on social economics last week, but as a matter of form, let's review its key points before beginning today's lecture. The doctors weren't too worried about her illness, but as a matter of form they decided to keep her in the hospital overnight.
See also: form, matter, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
(do something) as a matter of ˈform
(do something) because it is polite, or because it is the usual way of doing something: We knew everyone agreed, but we had a vote as a matter of form. I need your signature, just as a matter of form.See also: form, matter, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a matter of form
- get (one's) priorities straight
- for its own sake
- for God's sake
- for God's, heaven's, pity's, etc. sake
- for goodness' sake
- for Christ's sake
- For Pete’s sake!
- for Pete's sake
- Pete