pencil whip

pencil whip

1. To complete a form or record, especially a checklist, without doing the work required or by providing falsified or incomplete information. It has come to light that the safety supervisor aboard the oil rig had been pencil whipping his observational reports for several weeks leading up to the disaster.
2. To approve such a form without actually verifying that the contents are accurate or properly completed. We're supposed to fill out a detailed checklist after each shift, but I know my boss just pencil whips them.
See also: pencil, whip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • give (one) the runaround
  • give somebody the runaround
  • give someone the runaround
  • runaround
  • get the runaround
  • on top of
  • on top of (someone or something)
  • on top of somebody/something
  • on top of something
  • up to a (certain) point
References in periodicals archive
He said that from time to time he'll have an applicant "pencil whip" the application and not disclose all assets.
Financing an aircraft: using a broker helps
The next time you get ready to pencil whip an ATAF, think twice, and remember these photos, stories and lessons learned in the past.
Getting tool control under control
Will it be one of always doing maintenance by the book, or will you be one to pencil whip training or records?
Changing of the guard
Did you really complete the required training or "pencil whip" it?
Situational awareness is key
Don't "gouge" it or get your buddy to "pencil whip" it.
No secrets here
In these instances, "complacency" can sometimes become the RM form's scapegoat when the Aircraft Commander "pencil whips" it in as a high risk item without giving it much thought.
Complacency: a silent killer