drag on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘drag on’ mean?
The idiom "drag on" means to continue or last longer than desired or expected, often resulting in boredom, frustration, or exhaustion.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The idiom "keep the show on the road" means to continue with a task or activity without interruption or delay. It is often used to indicate the importance of maintaining progress or forward momentum to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
The idiom "keep on trucking" means to persist or continue working hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "jog on" means to go away, leave, or move on. It is often used to dismiss someone or to suggest that they should go away without causing any further trouble or interruption.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "hold over" means to delay or postpone something. It can be used to describe the continuation of a person's term in office or the extension of a deadline or appointment.
The idiom "hold off" means to delay or keep something or someone at a distance. It implies waiting or resisting until a more suitable time or condition.
"Endless Wearisome or Slow Progress"
The idiom "drag on" is a commonly used phrase in the English language that refers to a prolonged or tedious continuation of an activity or situation. It is believed to have originated from the literal act of dragging or pulling something along, indicating a slow and laborious process. Over time, the idiom has evolved and found its way into everyday language, becoming an integral part of our vocabulary.
One possible interpretation of the idiom comes from the realm of theater and performance arts. In this context, a scene or act that "drags on" can refer to a part of the performance that is overly long and lacks pace and excitement. This usage conveys a sense of boredom or impatience experienced by the audience as they endure a seemingly never-ending sequence. Just like dragging one's feet, it implies a reluctance to move forward and a desire for the situation to come to a swift conclusion.
Another way to understand the idiom "drag on" is by considering the physical act of dragging something along the ground. This sense of exertion and resistance can be metaphorically applied to circumstances that are burdensome, slow-moving, or difficult to proceed with. Just like when we find ourselves bogged down in a task or situation, the idiom suggests a sense of weariness or frustration as we continue despite the heaviness or resistance encountered. It implies a lack of progress or forward momentum, making the situation feel unnecessarily prolonged.
It's important to note that the idiom can be used in various contexts, making its meaning adaptable to different scenarios. For example, we might describe a lengthy meeting that seems to never end as dragging on. In this case, we feel as if we're carrying on with a task that lacks excitement or substance, much like when we keep on trucking despite the challenges. The idiom can also be used to convey the feeling of being caught in a drawn-out conversation that never quite reaches a satisfying conclusion, similar to how we carry on with tedious projects that feel like never-ending tasks.
While "drag on" is commonly used in American English, it's worth noting that its usage and understanding may differ in other English-speaking regions. Nonetheless, its prevalence in everyday language speaks to its enduring relevance and relatability to individuals navigating the complexities of contemporary life. The idiom invites us to reflect on the inevitable moments of stagnation we encounter, the endurance required to overcome them, and the innate human desire for progress and change.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *drag on* can be used in a sentence: 1. "The meeting dragged on for hours, and we were all eager to leave." 2. "The winter seems to be dragging on, and I can't wait for spring to arrive." 3. "The court case is expected to drag on for months due to numerous delays."
The idiom *drag on* characterizes situations that continue for a long time and become tedious or wearisome. It is often used to describe meetings, seasons, or legal proceedings that seem to have no end in sight. In example 1, the meeting is described as dragging on, indicating that it was prolonged and participants were eager for it to conclude. In example 2, the expression implies that the winter season feels never-ending and the speaker is looking forward to a change. Example 3 showcases the idiom's application to a court case that is expected to be lengthy and drawn out due to various delays.
More "Verb" idioms
