mark time
mark time {v. phr.}
1. To move the feet up and down as in marching, but not going forward.
The officer made the soldiers mark time as a punishment.
2. To be idle; waiting for something to happen.
The teacher marked time until all the children were ready for the test.
3. To seem to be working or doing something, but really not doing it.
It was so hot that the workmen just marked time.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
