Phone it in

Posted by ESC June 25, 2006In reply to Phone it in posted by Kashima on June 25, 2006

Could someone help me with the phrase "phone it in" as in the following context?
What does it mean?

If you want a sequel, you have to work even harder than the film before. A lot of times on the sequel, some people "phone it in," so to speak.

Thank you in advance!

The person isn't doing his or her best work. Isn't trying hard. The image is a person phoning rather than actually showing up.