eye-servant
Definition
Noun: An eye-servant is a servant or worker who performs their duties diligently only when they are being watched or supervised by their employer or master, but becomes negligent or lazy when unsupervised.
Usage Examples
- (A servant who works only under direct observation.)
- (Workers who are productive only when monitored.)
Advanced Usage
"to be an eye-servant": to act in a manner that shows diligence only under supervision.
- He was known as an eye-servant, always busy when the boss was around but idle otherwise. (He was a worker who feigned effort only when watched.)
"eye-servant behavior": conduct characterized by performing tasks only when observed.
- The team's eye-servant behavior led to a decline in overall productivity. (The team worked hard only during inspections.)
Variants and Related Words
Eye-service (noun): work done only when under observation; insincere or superficial service.
- The employee's eye-service was obvious to the supervisor, who noted the drop in output after lunch. (Work performed only to appear diligent when watched.)
Eye-servant (noun): a person who gives eye-service.
Synonyms
- Sycophant: a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage, often performing only when noticed.
- Timeserver: someone who adjusts their actions to suit the circumstances, especially to avoid trouble or gain favor, often working only when supervised.
- Shirker: a person who avoids work or responsibility, especially when not under observation.
Related Idioms
"Do something for the gallery": to perform an action to attract attention or approval, rather than from genuine effort.
- He cleaned his desk only when the manager walked by, doing it for the gallery. (He acted to be seen, not out of real diligence.)
"Work to the clock": to work only the minimum required time, often stopping when supervision ends.
- The staff worked to the clock, leaving the moment the shift ended, like eye-servants. (They were punctual but not productive beyond required hours.)