pass 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 time
- pass the/your 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)