foot-dragging

or foot·drag·ging

[foo t-drag-ing]

noun

reluctance or failure to proceed or act promptly.

Origin of foot-dragging

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for foot-dragging

Contemporary Examples of foot-dragging

In his new book, Duty, Defense Secretary Robert Gates recounts the years of foot-dragging by the aging relics at the Pentagon.
Michael Sam Is Not a ‘Distraction’
Dave Cullen
February 12, 2014
Foot-dragging only makes it look like you have something to hide.
Mitt Romney Clinches: What We Learned From 2012 Republican Race
Michelle Cottle
April 25, 2012
Health-care reform has many opponents: barking Blue Dogs, foot-dragging Republicans, right-wing media ideologues.
The Senate's Endless Getaway
Samuel P. Jacobs
July 31, 2009

Historical Examples of foot-dragging

Jason forced himself into a foot-dragging rush and met Kerk halfway to the ship.
Deathworld
Harry Harrison