# drag one's feet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/drag-ones-feet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.

## Examples

- She drags her feet when it's time to clean.
- He drags his feet whenever he has to visit the dentist.
- Stop dragging your feet and finish your homework now.
- The company is dragging its feet on hiring more staff, even though everyone is overworked.
- The landlord is dragging his feet about fixing the broken heater, so the apartment is still freezing.
- My brother is dragging his feet on signing the contract because he is not sure he wants the job.
- Despite the looming deadline, the committee dragged its feet for weeks, reluctant to make the unpopular decision that would anger half its members.

## Origin

From the literal action of walking while dragging one's feet along the ground, a gesture indicating a lack of enthusiasm or a calculated effort to slow down movement. It is often compared to the related physical metaphor *dig in one's heels*, though the former suggests a reluctant pace rather than an outright refusal to proceed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.