English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Drag feet (or heels)
Meaning
The idiom "drag feet" means to delay or put off something important or difficult, usually because one does not want to do it or is unwilling to take action. It can also mean to be reluctant or hesitant in doing something. The literal meaning of the phrase is to move slowly or with difficulty while trying to avoid something.
Usage
- She has been dragging her feet on finishing the report for weeks now.
- The company had been dragging its feet in implementing the new policy.
- My dad always drags his feet when it comes to making important decisions.
- I’m not sure why he’s been dragging his feet on accepting the job offer.
- It's clear that she's been dragging her feet with this project for too long. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may be used in a negative way to indicate that someone is procrastinating or delaying something important. In other cases, it may be used in a more neutral way to describe someone who is taking their time and being cautious before making a decision.
Roots and History
The phrase "drag feet" dates back to the 15th century in English literature. It comes from Middle English and is believed to have originated as "draegen fod." This meant to move with difficulty or resistance, often because one was trying to avoid something unpleasant or difficult. Over time, the meaning of the phrase has evolved to include a sense of reluctance or hesitation in addition to the original meaning of slow movement. The idiom has become a common expression used in everyday language to describe someone who is putting off doing something important or taking action.
Synonyms in English
- Procrastinate
- Delay
- Put off
- Avoid
- Evade
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Repousser la main - This phrase means to push away the hand, which is a metaphor for delaying or avoiding something.
- Spanish: Atrasarse la fecha - This phrase means to postpone the date, and is used to describe when someone puts off doing something until later.
- Italian: Rimandare l'esame - This phrase means to put off the exam, which is a common idiom used to describe when someone procrastinates on an important task.
- German: Verzögern - This phrase means to delay or postpone, and is a straightforward translation of the English idiom.
- Dutch: Stapelen - This phrase means to put off or delay doing something, and is a common expression used in Dutch language.