Introduction

Picture two business partners at a meeting, one eager to finalize the deal, the other glancing at the clock, feet shuffled under the table.  “He’s dragging his feet,” someone remarks—and the meaning lands immediately: resistance, delay, lack of momentum.  But this vivid image isn’t just a modern boardroom quip—it’s rooted deeply in linguistic History.

What ‘Dragging His Feet’ Really Means

The phrase describes not only a slow pace but also a deliberate act of delay.  Whether one’s literally shuffling toes or metaphorically resisting progress, the idiom conveys a passive but intentional stalling—lack of enthusiasm, reluctance, or quiet defiance.

Earliest Roots: Middle English Beginnings

Linguists trace the origin of the idiom back to Middle English.  Expressions like “draegen fod” appeared as early as the 15th century, literally meaning to drag one’s foot, suggesting slow movement due to fatigue or reluctance.  This literal sense laid the groundwork for figurative extension centuries later.

From Literal to Metaphor: 19th–20th Century

By the 19th century, the phrase had become an idiomatic expression denoting willful delay.  Dictionaries note that “drag one’s feet” (or “drag one’s heels”) became common English parlance for those deliberately slowing tasks or decisions.

In military contexts—where literal shuffling feet could slow a march—the phrase took on symbolic weight.  Soldiers lagging embodied passive insubordination or exhaustion.  This military image resonated widely, helping the words become widely known.

Metaphoric Adoption

By the mid-20th century, many idiom collections confirmed the phrase’s metaphorical shift.  The American Heritage Dictionary notes it’s a metaphor evoking “allowing one’s feet to trail” to represent procrastination or opposition.

This usage surfaced in print:

• “The British had been dragging their feet concerning a single European currency.”
• “We can’t afford to drag our feet until a species is at the brink of extinction.”

Widespread Usage: 20th Century Onward

The idiom gained traction in politics, journalism, and everyday conversation.  Whether describing governmental bureaucracy, corporate inertia, or personal procrastination, this phrase is familiar and resonates with everyone’s experiences, fostering a sense of shared understanding.

Why the Phrase Works So Well

• Imagery 🦶: You instantly picture feet stuck to the ground.
• Emotion: It conveys frustration, reluctance, and inertia.
• Versatility: It fits casual chats, executive summaries, and political commentary.

Modern Contexts: Still Going Strong

• Business: “The committee is dragging its feet on the budget.”
• Politics: “Lawmakers are dragging their feet on climate legislation.”
• Personal: “She’s dragging her feet about starting a new project.”

It remains a vivid, effective metaphor—a snapshot of resistance in everyday life.

A Note from Linguistic Psychology

Language often mirrors behavior.  Dragging one’s feet—whether literal or verbal—signifies an unspoken reluctance.  It signals: I’m not against you, but I’m not with you either.  In negotiation strategy, it can be a passive tactic; in daily life, it can reflect ambivalence.

Timeless Lesson

Timeless Lesson from “draegen fod” in medieval texts to modern boardroom banter, “dragging his feet” has traversed centuries as a linguistic emblem of delay.  Its persistence highlights our shared tendency to resist change, fostering a sense of connection and respect for linguistic evolution.

“Dragging your feet isn’t just about moving slowly—it’s a silent declaration of hesitation.”

Here are a few authentic newspaper excerpts from the late 19th century and beyond that illustrate the use of “dragging his feet” and its variant, “dragged his feet,” in period journalism:

🗞️ Historical Newspaper Quotes

• Birmingham Age-Herald (16 December 1899):
  In an advertisement urging prompt action, the paper advised:

“DON’T buy lamps or gas fixtures when electricity…is so much better…Quit dragging your feet and get in the car!” 

• The Evening World (27 April 1900):
  Discussing political strategy, the newspaper noted:

“Can he and will he rise to the greatness?  Before 7 May…Bryan will not speak…he will wait—not exactly dragging his feet, but still hesitant.”

Political Evolution: From Bureaucracy to Headlines

By the early 20th century, “dragging his feet” became a favorite in political commentary.  Newspapers and speeches used it to criticize government inertia and legislative delays.  For example, during debates on economic reform and foreign policy, journalists accused lawmakers of “dragging their feet” on urgent bills—a vivid way to frame procrastination as negligence.

The idiom’s appeal in politics lies in its visual punch: it suggests not just slowness, but deliberate resistance.  In the 1930s and 1940s, editorials often blasted agencies for “dragging their feet” on relief programs during the Great Depression.  Later, during battles over civil rights and environmental legislation, headlines such as “Congress Drags Its Feet on Equality” became common.

Today, the phrase remains a staple in political discourse.  Whether describing budget negotiations, climate policy, or international treaties, it conveys frustration with delay while implying accountability.  It’s not neutrality’s accusation, making it perfect for opinion pieces and campaign rhetoric.

Political Evolution: A Phrase That Made Headlines

By the early 20th century, “dragging his feet” had migrated from casual conversation into political rhetoric, where it became a powerful device for criticizing delay and inertia.  Its vivid imagery made it ideal for energetic speeches and sharp criticism.

🏛️ Example 1: Congressional Take-Down of Bureaucratic Inertia

On 8 April 2024, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) used the phrase in a press release to criticize federal agencies for slow implementation:

“Yet, many of the nine agencies charged with shielding the U.S. from cyberattacks are dragging their feet on GAO’s recommendations.  Congress needs to know how those agencies are working to bolster critical infrastructure defense, or whether they’re asleep at the switch.”

Here, Grassley employs it to spotlight government complacency on cybersecurity—framing inaction as a tangible, almost physical delay.

🛢️ Example 2: Accusing the Administration of Stalling on Energy Policy

In a 2010 House floor speech, Representative Doc Hastings (R‑WA) criticized the Obama administration’s energy policy by asserting:

“Americans will lose out on new jobs while the Administration keeps dragging its feet” on offshore leasing.

The language sent a clear message: perceived ideological hesitation was not merely a policy choice but a tangible loss for American workers.

🔍 Why Politicians Love This Phrase

·       It’s vivid and accusatory: The phrase doesn’t just say “slow”—it implies deliberate stalling.

·       It translates well to visuals: Listeners envision feet stuck in place.

·       It works in multiple arenas: Cybersecurity, environment, energy, health, you name it.

Through these published speeches and public communications, “dragging their feet” cemented itself as a staple in the political lexicon, weaponized to criticize delays and mobilize voters.

Here are new, recent examples from the political arena that show how the phrase “dragging their feet” continues to dominate political discourse:

🏛️ Modern Political Uses of “Dragging Their Feet.”

1.  Congressman Byron Donalds (R‑FL), 2025

Representative Byron Donalds chastised House leadership during a criticism of legislative stagnation:

“Rep. Byron Donalds (R‑FL) expressed his frustration with fellow House members for ‘wasting time’ when it comes to passing legislation… accusing them of dragging their feet on Trump’s agenda.”

This highlights intra-party tension and the usage of the idiom to spotlight internal delays.

2.  Senator Bill Cassidy (R‑, LA), 10 July 2024

Sen. Cassidy criticized the Biden Administration’s pace in approving offshore lease sales:

“From the outside looking in, it’s just hard to convince me that this is not a strategy of death of 1,000 cuts… There has been foot-dragging…we’re technically doing it, but those families who rely upon this income … will be left out to dry.”

Here, “foot-dragging” underscores perceived policy stalling at the executive level.

3.  Senator Chuck Grassley (R‑IA), 8 April 2024

Sen. Grassley denounced federal agencies’ slow implementation of cybersecurity protocols:

“Many of the nine agencies… are dragging their feet on GAO’s recommendations.  Congress needs to know how those agencies are working… or whether they’re asleep at the switch.

This example shows the phrase deployed to pressure bureaucratic institutions toward accountability.

4.  President Donald Trump on Ukraine Peace Talks, March 2025

Speaking in an interview, Trump used the phrase regarding Russia’s hesitancy in negotiations:

“I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they’re dragging their feet.”

This illustrates the idiom’s use in international diplomacy and high-stakes foreign policy dialogue.

🔍 Analysis: Why It Persists in Politics

• Accountability tool: “Dragging their feet” frames inertia as intentional and accountable.
• Aggressive metaphor: It conveys critique without outright accusation—delays become passive resistance.
• Broad applicability: From internal party dynamics, bureaucratic inefficiency, policy slowdowns, to international talks.