going through a phase

Definitions

experiencing a temporary period of behavior or interest
Describing someone's current actions or interests as temporary and likely to change in the near future
dismissing someone's feelings or experiences
Disregarding someone's emotions or experiences as being insignificant or unimportant

Examples of going through a phase

Samantha has been acting moody and distant lately. Her friends suspect that she's going through a phase and will snap out of it soon.

The phrase "going through a phase" means experiencing a temporary period of behaviour or attitude that may not be representative of one's true character. This idiom is often used to reassure people that an odd or unusual pattern of conduct is temporary and will pass.
Sarah's teenage daughter has started dressing in all black and listening to heavy metal music. Her parents are worried that she's going through a rebellious phase.

The expression "going through a rebellious phase" implies that a person, usually a teenager, is intentionally defying authority or traditional values as a way of asserting independence or testing boundaries. This phase is believed to be a natural part of growing up.
My brother has become obsessed with cleaning and decluttering our house. He's joined a minimalist movement and insists that we get rid of anything we don't absolutely need. I think he's going through a phase.

Here, "going through a phase" is used to imply that a person's fervent or extreme behaviour is part of a passing trend, and may not continue indefinitely. This idiom is often used to suggest that an individual's current actions are not representative of his or her true priorities or values.
Max has been eating nothing but pizza and ice cream for the past week. His parents suspect that he's going through a junk food phase.

The term "going through a junk food phase" refers to a brief period of time during which a person consumes excessive amounts of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. This phase is sometimes associated with adolescence, but it can occur at any age and may be caused by stress, boredom, or other factors. The expression is used to acknowledge that the person's dietary habits are temporary and may change in the future.
Alice has been really moody lately. Her parents think she's going through a rebellious phase.

When someone is going through a rebellious phase, they are intentionally acting oppositely to the norms or expectations of others as a form of individual expression or protest. Alice's behavior might involve arguments with her parents, breaking rules, or dressing differently to make a statement. This phase is temporary and will eventually pass.
After quitting his job, John decided to travel the world. His friends think he's going through a midlife crisis.

A midlife crisis is a period of emotional and existential uncertainty experienced by some individuals during middle age. It can manifest as a desire for change and renewal, and sometimes lead to impulsive or uncharacteristic behavior, such as John's decision to quit his job and travel extensively. This phase may involve self-reflection, soul-searching, and experimentation with new ideas and experiences, and can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Emily has been studying violin for years, but lately, she's been neglecting her practice. Her music teacher thinks she's going through a creative slump.

A creative slump is a temporary lack of inspiration, motivation, or productivity in one's creative pursuits. Emily might be experiencing writer's block, artist's block, or musician's block, which can cause her to feel uninspired, unmotivated, or disconnected from her art. This phase can be frustrating, but it's also an opportunity for learning and growth, as Emily might experiment with new techniques, seek feedback, or take a break to recharge her creative batteries.
Sarah has been obsessed with baking lately. Her roommate thinks she's going through a cooking phase.

A cooking phase is a period during which someone becomes passionate about cooking, experimenting with new recipes, ingredients, and techniques. Sarah might be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, watching cooking shows, reading cooking blogs, or attending cooking classes. This phase can lead to improved culinary skills, healthier eating habits, and entertaining opportunities for Sarah and her friends and family. Like other phases, this one will eventually pass, but Sarah might continue to enjoy cooking as a hobby or even as a career.

Conclusion

The idiom "going through a phase" can be used to describe either a temporary period of behavior or interest, or to dismiss someone's feelings or experiences as unimportant.

Origin of "going through a phase"

The origin of the idiom "going through a phase" is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of different stages or periods in a person's life. It may have originated from the field of psychology, where the concept of developmental phases or stages is commonly discussed. The idiom may have gained popularity as a way to describe temporary behavior or interests, especially in the context of children or teenagers. Over time, it has become a common expression in everyday language to describe temporary changes in behavior or interests. Its usage to dismiss someone's feelings or experiences may have developed from the idea that these are also temporary and not to be taken seriously. Overall, the idiom "going through a phase" has become a widely understood way to describe temporary behavior or interests, as well as to dismiss someone's experiences.