Twiddle your thumbs

usgb
verb phrase

To do nothing while waiting.

He sat twiddling his thumbs while everyone else was busy working.
Visual representation of "twiddle your thumbs" - To do nothing while waiting

Often appears as...

  • sit and twiddle your thumbs
  • just twiddling my thumbs

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "twiddle your thumbs"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Always Negative

The phrase can imply relaxed waiting without stress or urgency.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
In the calm clinic, patients twiddle their thumbs, unbothered by the wait.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Expression

Mainly used in casual conversations, not in formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Expression
When you write an essay, avoid saying 'He twiddled his thumbs'—it's too informal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Speech

People don't always literally twiddle their thumbs; it's often used metaphorically.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
Stuck in the airport, I wasn't literally twiddling my thumbs—I read a book.
Visual representation of the word "Twiddle your thumbs"

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