mark time

Idioms and Phrases

Wait idly for something to occur, as in We were just marking time until we received our instructions . This idiom alludes to the literal meaning of marching in place to the time , or beat, of music. [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Would you be happy simply to mark time until the inevitable takes hold?

From The Daily Beast

Holidays also help them mark time, which can behave strangely in isolation.

From The Daily Beast

South Carolinians mark time according to dove season, meaning that the calendar year begins on Labor Day.

From The Daily Beast

To the left—face—quick march, to the left—turn—to the right—turn—close files—mark time—right—left—right—left—forward.

From Project Gutenberg

This instrument is employed both to mark time, and to produce variety in sound.

From Project Gutenberg

The wind in the tree-tops overhead sighs in soft music, and ever and anon a leaf falls with a slight rustle to mark time.

From Project Gutenberg

Hawkins wheeled his line to the right, making the pivot-mark time, and passed along the end of the yard, which was deserted.

From Project Gutenberg

Susan, holding "the highest ground," found it difficult to mark time until she could find her place in the reconstruction.

From Project Gutenberg