mailing it in
Phoning it in
Mailing it in means doing something with minimal effort, going through the motions without genuine engagement or care.
The phrase evokes someone so disengaged they might as well have sent their work by post rather than showing up: The actor was clearly mailing it in during the sequel.
Often used for performances, assignments, or duties completed perfunctorily.
- underperformingDoing worse than expected
- phoning it inPerforming without genuine commitment
- half-heartedLacking sincerity or zeal
- going through the motionsPerforming without genuine effort
- boredLacking interest or engagement
disengaged · neglectful · perfunctory · slacking · apathetic · complacent · burnout · running on empty · resigned · fatigued · unmotivated · absenteeism · lackluster · unenthusiastic · mediocrity · low effort · uninspired · indifferent
- Complacencytoo comfortable, going through motions, phoning it in, self-satisfied, status quo
mailing it ingoing all out
Exerting total effort
giving 110% · putting in the work · going the extra mile · pulling out all the stops · going above and beyond
mail, mailing, mailed, mailer, mailers, mailings, mailbox, mailman, airmail