What does “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” mean?
"Drag one's feet (or heels)" means to delay or procrastinate in taking action or making a decision.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I need to make a decision soon, but I keep dragging my feet.
Example
He's been dragging his heels on starting the project.
Example
Stop dragging your feet and just get it done
Is “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” effectively in context?
You can use "Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)" to describe someone who is delaying or procrastinating in taking action or making a decision. It implies a lack of motivation or reluctance to move forward. For example, if a friend is hesitant to start a new job search, you might say, 'Stop dragging your feet and update your resume.'
- 1Personal Life
She knows she needs to end the toxic relationship, but she keeps dragging her feet.
- 2Work
The team leader has been dragging his heels on implementing the new software system.
- 3School
Despite the upcoming deadline, he keeps dragging his feet on starting the research paper.
Similar phrases to “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)”:
To delay or postpone action or decision-making
Example
He tends to procrastinate when it comes to doing his homework.
Dilly-dally
To waste time or delay in taking action
Example
She's always dilly-dallying instead of getting things done.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)" is unknown.
Is “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is delaying or procrastinating.
What tone does “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” have?
"Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)" conveys a tone of frustration or impatience. It's often used to express annoyance with someone's lack of action or progress.
Can “Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Drag One’s Feet (or Heels)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common behavior. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He needs to stop dragging his feet and make a decision.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to stop "dragging your feet"!' to imply the need for action.
