through the motions

������ an incredible way to spend your time, because I've had other jobs that have felt like going through the motions or whatever.

I am just going through the motions, pushing forward with a fake-it-till-I-make-it kind of attitude, believing once this week’s ‘weather bomb’ is over — or “bombogenesis,” or another menacing, meteorologists’ coined name thrown out for the latest explosive, fast-strengthening, impending-doom hyped storm, that my worry will subside.

The reality was there for all to see as a squad lacking energy laboured and went through the motions in training.

Said Curl: “We’re basically going against a starter every day in practice. ... It’s not like we’re going through the motions with the scout team.”

Earlier Biden rallies had the feeling of supporters going through the motions, supporting his pro-labor policies, perhaps, but none too enthused about fielding an 81-year-old for president.