French translation of idling is 
marche au ralenti

Meaning of "idling" in English

"Idling" refers to the act of a motor running without being engaged in any productive work, often seen in vehicles where the engine is running but not moving the car. It's a state of inactivity where an engine consumes fuel but does not propel the vehicle. Beyond mechanical contexts, "idling" can also describe people who are spending time without purposeful activity, such as hanging around doing nothing or taking a break from tasks. This suggests a temporary state of rest or pause rather than a permanent lack of activity.

Meaning of "marche au ralenti" in French

In French, "marche au ralenti" refers to the state of an engine operating at low speed while the vehicle is stationary. It is often used in automotive contexts to describe a vehicle's engine running without moving, consuming fuel but not generating any effective work. The phrase can be applied to engines or motors that are maintaining operational readiness without engaging in active function. In broader usage, it can metaphorically imply a situation or person who is in a passive or inactive state, not making tangible progress or changes.

Pronunciation of "idling" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈaɪdlɪŋ/

Pronunciation Variations: There may be subtle variations in pronunciation, such as differences in the articulation of the 'd' and 'l' sounds depending on regional accents, like British or American English.

Pronunciation of "marche au ralenti" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /maʁʃ o ʁalɑ̃ti/

Pronunciation Variations: Variations are minimal but may include differences in the fluidity of the 'r' sound, common between Parisian and other regional or international French accents.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The car was idling in the driveway. (La voiture était en marche au ralenti dans l'allée.)
2. We spent the afternoon idling by the lake. (Nous avons passé l'après-midi en marche au ralenti près du lac.)
3. Idling at the traffic light, she listened to music. (En marche au ralenti au feu rouge, elle écoutait de la musique.)
4. He's idling away his summer at the beach. (Il passe son été en marche au ralenti à la plage.)
5. The truck was idling noisily beside the road. (Le camion était en marche au ralenti bruyamment sur le bord de la route.)
6. After work, he enjoys idling in the garden. (Après le travail, il aime être en marche au ralenti dans le jardin.)
7. The machine kept idling until the operator came back. (La machine restait en marche au ralenti jusqu'au retour de l'opérateur.)
8. She warned against the dangers of idling too often. (Elle a mis en garde contre les dangers d'être trop souvent en marche au ralenti.)
9. Idling in a café, they watched people pass by. (En marche au ralenti dans un café, ils regardaient les gens passer.)
10. Idle engines contribute to pollution. (Les moteurs en marche au ralenti contribuent à la pollution.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "idling" in English

Synonyms: loafing, lounging, resting, inactive, unoccupied, dawdling, pausing, stalling, lazing, lounging.

Antonyms: working, active, busy, occupied, engaged, industrious, moving, functioning, operative, energetic.

Similar Words: resting, pausing, stopping, lingering, lingering, delaying, procrastinating, abeyance, hibernating.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "marche au ralenti" in French

Synonyms: inactif, au repos, inoccupé, pause, attente, arrêt, latence, vacances, pause, relâchement.

Antonyms: actif, occupé, fonctionnant, engagé, dynamique, productif, en mouvement, opérationnel, actif.

Similar Words: arrêt, latence, attente, vacance, repos, veille, patience.

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