Neglecting one's work with 油を売る
The expression 油を売る 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.
Further Reading
- 【油を売る】の意味と使い方や例文(慣用句) (proverb-encyclopedia.com)
- 油を売る|慣用句 (edewakaru.com)
Examples
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 こんな所で油を売ってるヒマはあるのか?」
- “Esmeraude, do you have time to be loafing around in such a place?”