Phrase guide

watch paint dry

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To watch something that has virtually no movement, hence, something very boring.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous

Examples

  • I expected his new play to be as good as the last, but it was like watching paint dry.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: watch grass grow

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: tuijottaa seinää — Translations
  • French: regarder l'herbe pousser — Translations
  • Polish: nudzić się — Translations
  • Spanish: mirar las musarañas — Translations