idly

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.

Unseasonably high temperatures even left the impressive array of high-tech artificial-snow makers below mostly useless, their fans spinning idly in the warm breeze.

From Los Angeles Times

The sails had gone slack, and the disappointed girl slumped in one of the cozy nursery chairs and clicked idly at the beads of her abacus: back and forth, back and forth.

From Literature

He said the directive to his troops is clear to “not stand idly by, and do everything in your power to prevent any act of nationalist crime.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It doesn’t have to be a full project — just a few trays in the oven while you do laundry or scroll idly.

From Salon

"The directive to IDF soldiers is clear: do not stand idly by and do everything in your power to prevent any act of nationalist crime."

From BBC