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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Drag your feet

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Delay doing something because you do not really want to do it.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. We are dragging our feet about sorting the storage cupboard.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Delay doing something because you do not really want to do it.
Show the answer

Drag your feet — Delay doing something because you do not really want to do it.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Drag your feet” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Delay doing something because you do not really want to do it.

Compare: We are dragging our feet about sorting the storage cupboard.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this informal expression about reluctant action at home, school or work. It can sound critical, so use it carefully when speaking to someone directly.

More examples in context

  • The committee dragged its feet on approving the new timetable.
  • Stop dragging your feet and book the appointment.

Usage note

Change “your” to match the subject: “she dragged her feet”. Moving slowly because you are injured is not necessarily this idiomatic kind of delay.

A short conversation

A: Have you started the expense report?
B: No, I’m dragging my feet because the receipts are a mess.
A: Let’s sort them into dates first.

One more practice question

Which person is dragging their feet?

A. Someone who finishes a task eagerly and quickly.
B. Someone who keeps postponing an unwanted task.

Check your answer

B. Repeatedly delaying a task through reluctance is dragging your feet.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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