- To delay doing something deliberately, often out of reluctance, laziness, or passive resistance.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the literal image of someone walking extremely slowly and unwillingly, scuffing or dragging their feet along the ground, indicating a lack of enthusiasm or desire to proceed.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Dilly-dallying
- Taking their sweet time
- Slacking off (Implies laziness more broadly)
- Pussyfooting around (Being overly cautious or evasive, often causing delay. Use slang with care)
- Stalling
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking dragging their feet
- Dragging their ass (Crude, emphasizes slowness/laziness)
Milder:
- Delaying / Postponing action
- Being slow to act
- Hesitating
- Taking a while to get started
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- It carries a negative connotation of intentional delay or reluctance. Use carefully, as it can sound critical or accusatory.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is metaphorical; it's about delaying action, not literally dragging feet while walking (though the image helps convey reluctance).
Examples
- The government is dragging its feet on implementing the new environmental regulations.
- Stop dragging your feet and clean your room like I asked!
- He tends to drag his feet when it comes to paperwork.
Dialogue
Colleague 1: Have you finished your section of the report yet?
Colleague 2: Not yet, I've been meaning to get to it...
Colleague 1: Come on, don't drag your feet. The deadline is Friday, and we need your input.
Colleague 2: Alright, alright. I'll work on it this afternoon.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Seriously, the company needs to stop dragging its feet and fix this glitchy app! 🙄 #customerservice #fail
- Facebook Post: Frustrated that the city council keeps dragging its feet on approving the park improvements. #localgov #community
- Reddit Comment: My partner always drags their feet when it comes to doing chores. Any tips?
Response Patterns
- If accused: Defensiveness (I'm not!), excuses (I've been busy.), promising action (Okay, I'll do it now.).
- If discussing a third party: Agreement (They really are.), frustration (It's so annoying.), speculation on reasons (Maybe they don't want to.).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After observing someone dragging their feet:
- Urge action: Can you please get it done?, We need a decision.
- Ask for reasons: What's the hold-up?, Is there a problem?
- Express frustration: I wish they would just move forward.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically a comment or criticism about someone's lack of timely action on a specific task or decision.
Intonation
- Usually conveys impatience, criticism, or frustration with the delay.
- Stress often falls on DRAGGING and FEET. Why are they DRAGGING their FEET?
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal across major English-speaking regions.