as in delay
failure to do something quickly because you do not want to do it
bureaucrats criticized for foot-dragging on important issues
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Recent Examples of foot-dragging
Only Spain caught flak from the US president over its foot-dragging over the 5% GDP spend.
—
Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
This foot-dragging and embrace of secrecy is unacceptable, and watchdog groups such as TPAF will continue to hold the DOJ accountable.
—Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
But as a result of the administration's foot-dragging, very few have been able to enter, and those who have were successful only after enormous effort.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
As with many such court decisions, the Claremont decisions were followed by foot-dragging by legislators and governors.
—Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Population growth and evolving agricultural practices have increased demand, while federal and state environmental laws, judicial decisions, political foot-dragging and climate change have restricted supply.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Bureaucratic foot-dragging on the federal level by both Mexico and the United States is directly to blame for the continuing profound flowing of pollution into the Tijuana River.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
Experts have expressed concern that the Trump campaign’s foot-dragging on transition steps could have implications on the new administration’s national security preparedness by delaying key briefings, according to CNN.
—Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Welch also disagreed with the Court of Appeals finding that foot-dragging by Kennedy in filing his appeals had not undermined his case.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024
Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
This foot-dragging and embrace of secrecy is unacceptable, and watchdog groups such as TPAF will continue to hold the DOJ accountable.
—Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
But as a result of the administration's foot-dragging, very few have been able to enter, and those who have were successful only after enormous effort.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
As with many such court decisions, the Claremont decisions were followed by foot-dragging by legislators and governors.
—Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Population growth and evolving agricultural practices have increased demand, while federal and state environmental laws, judicial decisions, political foot-dragging and climate change have restricted supply.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Bureaucratic foot-dragging on the federal level by both Mexico and the United States is directly to blame for the continuing profound flowing of pollution into the Tijuana River.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
Experts have expressed concern that the Trump campaign’s foot-dragging on transition steps could have implications on the new administration’s national security preparedness by delaying key briefings, according to CNN.
—Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Welch also disagreed with the Court of Appeals finding that foot-dragging by Kennedy in filing his appeals had not undermined his case.
—Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foot-dragging
delay
Noun
-
In a post-pandemic world where air travel has become increasingly unpredictable—think flight delays, overcrowded airports, and service that sometimes feels like an afterthought—finding carriers that consistently deliver excellence feels like striking gold (literally).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
18 June 2025
-
Without governance, organizations may face regulatory delays, product holds or reputational damage.—
Doron Sitbon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foot-dragging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foot-dragging. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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