Neglecting one's work with 油を売る

The expression 油(あぶら)を売(う)る is used to describe someone who is wasting time or idling, especially when they should be working or focusing on something important. It can imply dawdling or procrastination, like when someone is chatting aimlessly or doing something unrelated to their task. It’s often used in contexts where someone is being lazy or avoiding their responsibilities.

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.

Examples

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Free time to be loafing around with 油を売る

Rubeus finds Esmeraude spying on Prince Demande.

ルベウス:

「エスメロード　こんな所(ところ)で油(あぶら)を売(う)ってるヒマはあるのか？」

“Esmeraude, do you have time to be loafing around in such a place?”