Phone it in

Posted by ESC on June 25, 2006

In 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.