Mark time
verb
To wait patiently for a chance to do something.
We're just marking time until we get the test results.
Often appears as...
- marking time until
- mark time waiting for
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
In marching, to march on the spot without moving forward.
The sergeant ordered the troops to mark time
Often appears as...
- mark time marching
- troops mark time
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To wait patiently for a chance to do something.
We're just marking time until we get the test results.
Often appears as...
- marking time until
- mark time waiting for
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
In marching, to march on the spot without moving forward.
The sergeant ordered the troops to mark time
Often appears as...
- mark time marching
- troops mark time
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
The phrase often describes a temporary or holding action while awaiting events.
They're marking time until the new manager arrives.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Filler
It can imply activities that are unproductive or serve to pass time.
With the project on hold, she was marking time with paperwork.
Pro Tip 3/3Lack of Progress
Used to express frustration at a lack of progress or change.
We're all marking time until the budget is approved.
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