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To delay or procrastinate in doing something, often due to reluctance or lack of motivation.
He kept dragging his feet about making a decision, which frustrated his colleagues.
He kept delaying making a decision, which frustrated his colleagues.
The government is dragging its feet on implementing the new environmental policies.
The government is delaying the implementation of the new environmental policies.
This idiom is often used to express frustration or impatience with someone who is not acting quickly enough.
This idiom is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings, to describe reluctance or delay in taking action.
While this idiom is common, overusing it in formal writing or professional settings may make your language seem less precise. Use it judiciously.
The phrase likely originates from the literal act of dragging one's feet while walking, which slows down movement. It has been used metaphorically since at least the early 20th century to describe reluctance or hesitation in taking action.
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who is avoiding or delaying a task or decision. It can be used in professional, social, or personal situations.