checking watch
Eyeing the time
Checking watch describes the gesture of looking at a timepiece on one's wrist to see the time.
Beyond its literal function, it often signals impatience, boredom, or readiness to leave: He kept checking his watch during the meeting.
The phrase appears in stage directions and descriptions of body language to convey that someone is eager for something to end or for time to pass.
- quick glanceShort, rapid look
- glanceBrief, casual look
- wristHand-forearm connection
- timeMeasured passage of moments
- impatientUnwilling to wait
waiting · killing time · late · hurry · ticking · seconds · minutes · anxious · appointment · deadline · restless · bored · punctual · clock · fleeting · nervous · running late · meeting
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- pet peevesannoyance, loud chewing, irritation, loud talking, frustration
checking watchflow state
Optimal engagement condition
captivated · enthralled · rapt attention · immersed · riveted
check, checked, checker, checkers, checks, recheck, rechecking, uncheck, unchecked