drag the chain en · VERB
Etymology
The term stems from the railway industry when chains and hooks connected the carriages or goods trucks. If the rear chain came loose from the secured position, it would then drag on the ground slowing progress.
Meanings
- (idiomatic, informal) To fall behind relative to others.
- (idiomatic, informal) To unwittingly hold up progress.
- (idiomatic, informal) To deliberately hold up progress by acting slowly.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| dragging the chain | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| dragged the chain | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| dragged the chain | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| drags the chain | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |