foot-dragging

or foot·drag·ging

[ foot-drag-ing ]

noun

1. reluctance or failure to proceed or act promptly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of foot-dragging¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from the verb phrase drag one's feet

Example Sentences

How much of that foot dragging owes to Alito and Thomas?

From Los Angeles Times

“It should not be that hard to get that data. I do not know why the foot dragging is occurring there.”

From Science Magazine

If these bills become law, there will be a lot more foot dragging.

From Seattle Times

“For too long the perspectives of the global north have held sway at the climate talks and led to foot dragging and inaction. We’re starting to see this change, but it really needs to be accelerated.”

From Seattle Times

Eisen called Kemp’s legal arguments “borderline frivolous” and “foot dragging.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• barrier
• deterrent
• drawback
• handicap
• hitch
• impediment
• interference
• interruption
• obstacle
• snag
• stumbling block