pass the time

pass the time

To occupy oneself during a period of spare time. If you're looking for a way to pass the time, we have plenty of great books to read!
See also: pass, time

pass time

To engage in some activity during periods of spare time. A modifier can be used between "pass" and "time." To me, reading will always be the single best way to pass time. I've been passing my time in the evenings by learning how to weld at a local community workshop. The airport has opened a new kid-friendly activity center to help families pass some time while they wait for their flights.
See also: pass, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pass the time (of day)

to spend time doing something; to consume or use spare time by doing something. I read to pass the time while waiting in the doctor's office. I passed the time of day by talking to Dave.
See also: pass, time
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pass the time

1. Occupy oneself for an interval, as in The plane was six hours late but I passed the time reading a book.
2. pass the time of day. Exchange greetings, engage in pleasantries, chat, as in Whenever I met her we would stop to pass the time of day. [First half of 1800s]
See also: pass, time
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

pass the/your ˈtime (doing something)

spend your time (doing something), often while you are waiting for something else: They told each other jokes to pass the time while waiting for the next train. We passed our time making plans for the weekend.
See also: pass, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • pass the/your time
  • pass time
  • a week from next Tuesday
  • all things must pass
  • all things will pass
  • whiz past
  • whiz by
  • let (one) pass by
  • pass on
  • pass on (something)
References in classic literature
Yet was this half-horrible stolidity in him, involving, too, as it appeared, an all-ramifying heartlessness; --yet was it oddly dashed at times, with an old, crutch-like, antediluvian, wheezing humorousness, not unstreaked now and then with a certain grizzled wittiness; such as might have served to pass the time during the midnight watch on the bearded forecastle of Noah's ark.
Moby Dick LXVIII CXXXIV
Steadily the waters rose till they were nibbling at his feet; and to pass the time until they made their final gulp, he watched the only thing on the lagoon.
The Adventures of Peter Pan
"That is a long story," answered the King, with a Winged laugh; "but as we have a long journey before us, I will pass the time by telling you about it, if you wish."
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
And for to pass the time this booke shall be pleasant to read in."
English Literature For Boys And Girls
Seeing this, and being quite exhausted by the excitement of the past few hours, the little girl decided that sleep would be the best thing to restore her strength and the easiest way in which she could pass the time. The floor was damp and she was herself wringing wet, but fortunately this was a warm climate and she did not feel at all cold.
Ozma of Oz
I love listening to talk shows to pass the time in the car, whether it is Joe Duffy on RTE Radio One or Ivan Yates on Newstalk.
Catching waves on the road; The voice of Irish Country MIKE DENVER
During this period, they eat the meat of slaughtered goats and drink and pass the time in merrymaking.
Winter festival begins in Kalash valleys
* Do things together to pass the time. Play cards or board games, watch videos, go for walks or just talk.
Tips for friends and family of quitters
CHERYL NELAN<br />President, CMIT Solutions<br />LinkedIn.com/in/Nelan<br />Facebook.com/cmitrochester<br />Twitter.com/cmitmonroe<br />With so many of us traveling during the spring and summer months, our mobile devices are must haves to keep in touch and pass the time. It's crucial that while traveling, we're careful to protect our data while using our phones, tablets and laptops.<br />Here are some quick tech tips to help keep your information safe this travel season:<br />Be cautious of shared Wi-Fi without a password<br />Free Wi-Fi sounds great, but it leaves your devices at risk of being hacked.
Tech tip: How to travel safely
LYNDA Bellingham's son has said his stepfather Michael Pattemore was never part of the family and was merely someone for his mum to "pass the time with".
Lynda Bellingham's son tells stepdad: You are nothing to any of our family; Oxo mum's boys dismiss widower
Pass the time on Christmas Eve by gathering family and friends for a holiday movie night.
Adopt A New Christmas Eve Tradition This Holiday Season
Hence he has a free bus pass and also plenty of time on his hands, thus a journey of one hour and 34 minutes is an ideal way to pass the time, taking in the views as the wheels of the bus go round and round.
Travel time to Brum could soon be shorter; Letters
According to the findings, the most popular reason for shopping while commuting is to pass the time, followed by it being the most convenient time to shop - fuelled by the increased availability of WiFi on public transport.
Commuters' PS9bn shop
He finds the process relaxing, and says it is a great way to pass the time. Kahit saan masarap siya gawin, lalo na 'pag naghihintay ka, he said.
Dom Ochotorena's rubber art
The play spaces are set up near a couch, coffee table and TV (convenient for older children who want to pass the time while their parents shop) and sit out of the way of customers looking through nearby carpet samples, while close enough that it's easy for parents to keep eyes on their kids as they shop.
Kids play while parents shop