string out
To prolong or extend in an unnecessary, contrived or time-filling manner.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Do not string out the meeting for no reason.”
“The lawyer tried to string out the trial to give his team more time to find evidence.”
“Rather than providing a direct answer, the politician chose to string out his response with vague promises and irrelevant anecdotes to avoid the difficult question.”
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another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 02
apron string
A symbol of the domestic ties binding a male to a female (as a husband to a wife or a son to a mother).
- 03
harp on one string
To dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence.
- 04
harp on the same string
To repeatedly say the same thing.
- 05
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 06
loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
- 07
loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
- 08
no strings attached
Without conditions or obligations; without a catch.
Last updated August 10, 2026