Neglecting one's work with 油を売る
油を売る means wasting time when you should be working. It often describes dawdling, chatting, or doing something unrelated to the job.
In English, “loafing around” has a similar meaning.
Literal Meaning
The literal translation is “selling oil”. The expression is believed to derive from the Edo period (1603–1867), where oil merchants would sometimes engage in lengthy small talk with women while selling oil to them. Rubeus finds Esmeraude spying on Prince Demande.Further Reading
Examples
Free time to be loafing around with 油を売る
