2023-02-20 Slow walk – The English We Speak

Summary

When someone walks slowly, other people have to wait for them. Learn an English phrase that describes this action metaphorically – when someone is preventing or delaying something happening – which is what Rob is doing in this programme!

Transcript

Feifei
This is The English We Speak with me, Feifei…

Rob
… and me, Rob. Nice weather today, isn’t it Feifei?

Feifei
Err, yes it is, but can we begin the programme now?

Rob
Oh, right. Let me just… err… sort my script out… Right, OK. That’s better.

Feifei
Are you ready now?

Rob
Well, I just need to adjust my chair…

Feifei
Oh, I see what you’re doing! You’re demonstrating how to use slow walk.

Rob
To slow walk? Am I?

Feifei
Yes! To delay doing something or prevent it from progressing, can be described as to slow walk something. Rob, you seem to be taking longer than normal to start this programme.

Rob
Am I? No, I just need to get the lighting right.

Feifei
Oh, let’s just have some examples of slow walk, shall we?

Examples

He decided to slow walk the decision on the plans, so we can’t move forward.

The company is slow walking in responding to a complaint I made three weeks ago.

The council are continuing to slow walk their discussions about finance, so we won’t get our funding in time.

Feifei
In this programme, we’re learning how to use slow walk to mean delay something or prevent it from progressing. And you, Rob, are slow walking this programme…

Rob
No, I’m not Feifei, you’re just being impatient.

Feifei
I don’t think so. You’re definitely up to something. Anyway, we’ve nearly made it to the end of the programme, so your plan hasn’t worked.

Rob
Sorry, hold on a minute. I just need to adjust this chair again…

Feifei
Are you slow walking again?

Rob
I guess I am. Bye, Feifei.

Feifei
Bye!