⏳ Killing Time: The Art of Passing Time Effortlessly
kill time, to
Definition: To make time pass by performing some unessential activity.
Origin: The term dates back to the early 1700s. Leslie Stephen alluded to it in “Hours in the Library” (1874): “Tapestry, in which ladies employed their needles by way of killing time.” More recently, in a theater review in the Boston Globe (Feb. 1, 2005), Ed Siegel wrote, “As Josh and Sal . . . kill time in a hospital waiting room, nervous about whether a third friend is going to survive a drug overdose.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Pass the time: It’s all about engaging in an activity merely to while away the moments until something more interesting happens.
- Idle one’s time away: Wasting time without any productive output.
- Bide time: Just waiting around, usually for a more appropriate moment to take action – quite strategic!
- Mark time: An old military term, now popularly meaning to engage in a repetitive activity until something significant happens.
Synonyms:
- Waste time
- Spend time idly
- Linger
Antonyms:
- Use time wisely
- Utilize time efficiently
- Be productive
Humorous Quotes:
- “I don’t play the piano, but it works to kill time, like reading a good book or watching an entertaining movie.” — Buzzard B. Filcher
- “Life is too short to be killed, and yet we kill it so casually.” — An Unnamed Philosopher
Proverbs:
- “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”: A cautionary adage which suggests almost sinister consequences of having nothing meaningful to do.
- “Time is money.”: An encouragement to make the best use of your time, something our ancestors born without Netflix subscriptions firmly believed.
References in Literature and Culture:
- Literature: “Vanity Fair” by William Makepeace Thackeray, where characters engage in frivolous activities to pass time.
- Movies: “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett, a play that could serve as the poster child for this concept.
- Songs: “Time” by Pink Floyd – a haunting reminder that killing time can quickly turn into wasted lives.
- Poetry: “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell, where the poet speaks about time and procrastination.
Suggested Reading:
- “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells – explore the concept of time, not just idling but fast-forwarding and rewinding!
- “High Fidelity” by Nick Hornby – an amusing take on engaging in hobbies as a way to kill time.
🎬 Movie Night Suggestion:
- “Groundhog Day” - a film where Bill Murray kills the same day in creative (and less creative) ways repetitively.
Intriguing Fun Facts:
- Ancient Romans didn’t have a concept for killing time – every moment had meaning and purpose. Were they lucky or just incredibly busy?
### Which of the following is an expression similar to 'kill time’?
- [x] Pass the time
- [ ] Construct the moment
- [ ] Blow the minute
- [ ] Hold the hours
> **Explanation:** "Pass the time" is quite similar to "kill time," signifying engaging in some activity merely to avoid boredom.
### The term "kill time" dates back to which century?
- [ ] 13th century
- [ ] 14th century
- [x] 18th century
- [ ] 20th century
> **Explanation:** The term dates back to the early 1700s, placing it firmly in the 18th century for those keeping track.
### True or False: 'Bide time' is another expression for 'kill time'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Bide time" means to wait around for something better to happen.
### Which idiom refers to waiting idly in anticipation?
- [ ] Float the seconds
- [ ] Break the hourglass
- [x] Mark time
- [ ] Pause for effect
> **Explanation:** "Mark time" involves engaging in a repetitive, often idle task while waiting for something meaningful.
Farewell thought: May you find joy not just in killing time, but in making every minute meaningful.
— V. Vivify Phrases, 2023
