drag one's feet / heels

/dɹˈaɡ wˈɒnz fˈiːt hˈiːlz/

/dɹˈæɡ wˈʌnz fˈiːt hˈiːlz/

[phrase]

to drag one's feet / heels

[PHRASE]

to purposefully act slowly

synonyms : dilly-dally

What is the origin of the idiom "drag one's feet" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "drag one's feet" can be traced back to the literal act of dragging one's feet while walking. When someone drags their feet, it indicates a lack of enthusiasm, motivation, or willingness to move forward. It is often used in discussions related to work, projects, decision-making, or tasks where a person is perceived as stalling or avoiding their responsibilities.

Examples

1. The authorities are dragging their feet over banning cigarette advertising.

2. And I'm dragging my feet.

3. And unfortunately, they have dragged their feet on offering solutions for renters that remotely meet the scale of this crisis.

4. Meaning, instead of telling you how they feel or what they wanted, They just forget to put that check in the mail, Or drag their feet until we're too late to make it to that event.