Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
turn-a-crank
idiom
tərn ə kræŋk
Definition
To do a task or operation in a repetitive or mechanical manner, often used in a figurative sense to describe someone who is going through the motions without genuine engagement.
Examples
- After years in the same job, she felt like she was just turning a crank every day.
- He didn’t bring any new ideas to the meeting; he was simply turning a crank.
Meaning
The phrase refers to the act of performing a simple, repetitive action, often suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or creativity in the process.
Synonyms
- go through the motions
- mechanically perform
- repeat automatically
