phoning it in
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At a pivotal point in “The Christophers,” Lori explains how she can see that Julian was phoning it in during his later series of the titular paintings.
From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2026
“I’m big fans of all of you—except for NPR. Just a bunch of celebs phoning it in, so try harder,” Poehler joked.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 12, 2026
Frivolous as it is, these inventive details convince us that Ayer isn’t simply phoning it in.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2025
I felt crestfallen seeing Adam Scott, who’s so droll in “Party Down” and “Parks and Rec,” and Zosia Mamet, sweetly silly in “Girls,” phoning it in from another planet — the polar opposite of funny/sweet/anything.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2024
A retired Major League Baseball player is technically running for Senate in California—and he’s really phoning it in.
From Slate ● Feb. 5, 2024
