# string out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/string-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To prolong or extend in an unnecessary, contrived or time-filling manner.

## Examples

- 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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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.