bog down

British  

verb

1. to impede or be impeded physically or mentally

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bog down Idioms  

1. Become stuck, be unable to progress, as in Their research bogged down because they lacked the laboratory expertise. This expression transfers sinking into the mud of a swamp to being hampered or halted. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bog down

Proponents of the philosophy say it reduces management layers that bog down decision-making.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

Companies would theoretically also be able to avoid opposition from communities that don’t want data centers in their backyards and sidestep regulations that bog down construction on Earth.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 20, 2025

For now, many expect that elevated uncertainty will bog down economic activity, the Fed said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2025

Chinitz added that the reinstitution of fault-only grounds would "bog down" the already overwhelmed family court system as estranged couples air out their deeply personal grievances and spar over proving one party's wrongdoing.

From Salon ● Nov. 4, 2024

That is what they have in common with the passive constructions that also bog down these examples, like was affirmed and were used.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• halt
• hang up
• impede
• stall