foot-dragging

[ foot-drag-ing ]

/ ˈfʊtˌdræg ɪŋ /

Save This Word!

noun

reluctance or failure to proceed or act promptly.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of foot-dragging

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

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|DAILY BEAST
More foot-dragging came from traditional laggards China, the US, Canada and Australia.
The End of the Arctic? Ocean Could be Ice Free by 2015|Mark Hertsgaard|December 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
When a crisis like this hits, consumers and journalists tend to attribute corporate foot-dragging to malfeasance.
How Toyota Can Save the Brand|Eric Dezenhall|February 1, 2010|DAILY BEAST

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|DAILY BEAST
He went as quietly as a mouse, creeping on hands and knee, the lame foot dragging quietly behind him.
Harding's luck|E. [Edith] Nesbit
Taylor got up and started for the door, the bandaged foot dragging clumsily.
The Ranchman|Charles Alden Seltzer
Suddenly she heard a foot dragging across the hall, and a big lump came into her throat.
Fireside Stories for Girls in Their Teens|Margaret White Eggleston
Jason forced himself into a foot-dragging rush and met Kerk halfway to the ship.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
He heard the old man go out; he heard his heavy step drop slowly down the stairs; he heard his foot dragging on the path outside.
The Manxman|Hall Caine