Watch the world go by
phrase
To observe life and its events without participating.
After retirement, he sat on his porch and just watched the world go by.
Often appears as...
- just watch the world go by
- sit and watch the world go by
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To do nothing or little while life goes on around you.
You can't just watch the world go by, you have to contribute in some way.
Often appears as...
- can't just watch the world go by
- don't just watch the world go by
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic,Colloquial
phrase
To spend time relaxing and enjoying the sight of other people going about their everyday life.
During his vacation, he likes to sit in cafés and watch the world go by.
Often appears as...
- love to watch the world go by
- enjoy watching the world go by
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To observe life and its events without participating.
After retirement, he sat on his porch and just watched the world go by.
Often appears as...
- just watch the world go by
- sit and watch the world go by
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To do nothing or little while life goes on around you.
You can't just watch the world go by, you have to contribute in some way.
Often appears as...
- can't just watch the world go by
- don't just watch the world go by
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic,Colloquial
phrase
To spend time relaxing and enjoying the sight of other people going about their everyday life.
During his vacation, he likes to sit in cafés and watch the world go by.
Often appears as...
- love to watch the world go by
- enjoy watching the world go by
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Passive Stance
This phrase implies a passive role in situations, indicating observation without influence or action.
At the museum, she preferred to watch the world go by, letting others debate the art.
Pro Tip 2/2Reflective Mood
Often conveys a contemplative or meditative state, reflecting on life's flow while sitting aside.
He would often watch the world go by and contemplate his own life choices.
Pro Tip 1/2Passive Stance
This phrase implies a passive role in situations, indicating observation without influence or action.
At the museum, she preferred to watch the world go by, letting others debate the art.
Pro Tip 2/2Reflective Mood
Often conveys a contemplative or meditative state, reflecting on life's flow while sitting aside.
He would often watch the world go by and contemplate his own life choices.
Pro Tip 1/2Passive Stance
This phrase implies a passive role in situations, indicating observation without influence or action.
At the museum, she preferred to watch the world go by, letting others debate the art.
Pro Tip 2/2Reflective Mood
Often conveys a contemplative or meditative state, reflecting on life's flow while sitting aside.
He would often watch the world go by and contemplate his own life choices.
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