Define mailed it in

A popular idiomatic expression!

To "mail it in" is a figurative phrase that means to do something half-heartedly, without much effort or enthusiasm. It's often used to describe a lack of dedication, motivation, or attention to detail in one's work or performance.

The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea of sending in a letter or package without putting much thought or effort into it, essentially "mailing it in" without much care or attention.

In everyday language, "mailing it in" might be used in situations like:

• A student who doesn't put much effort into their schoolwork and just goes through the motions.
• An employee who is phoning it in, doing the bare minimum, and not taking their job seriously.
• An athlete who is not giving their best performance, seemingly going through the motions without much passion or energy.

The phrase is often used to express disappointment or frustration with someone's lack of effort or dedication. For example:

• "I'm so tired of watching him mail it in every game. He's not even trying!"
• "I know she's capable of more, but she's just mailing it in lately."

Overall, "mailing it in" is a phrase that implies a lack of commitment, enthusiasm, or quality in one's work or performance.