dræɡ wʌnz fiːt
Body Parts
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To walk while dragging your feet on the ground
What does "drag one's feet" mean?
- To delay or procrastinate on something
- To be deliberately slow in doing something
Examples
- Stop dragging your feet and finish the report.
- The government is dragging its feet on the new policy.
- She's been dragging her feet about making a decision.
Origin
From the image of walking reluctantly, not lifting one's feet properly due to unwillingness to proceed. Used figuratively since the mid-20th century for deliberate delays.
How to use it
Usually implies criticism for unnecessary delays. Common in work and bureaucratic contexts.
Similar expressions
procrastinate
stall
delay
dawdle
Opposites
act quickly
move fast
be decisive
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "drag one's feet" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.