Neglecting one's work with 油を売る
油を売る means to neglect one’s work by idle chitchat. It also refers to taking a detour and going somewhere else.
The expression is derived from the Edo period (1603–1867), when a hair oil merchant would engage in lengthy small talk with women while selling oil to them.
In English, “loafing around” has a similar meaning.
Further reading
- 【油を売る】の意味と使い方や例文（慣用句） (proverb-encyclopedia.com)
