35+ Idioms for Slow: Memorable Phrases for Gentle Movements

We often hear the phrase “slow and steady wins the race,” but idioms for slow go far beyond this familiar saying. These expressions describe the calm, deliberate pace of life, when it’s a gentle movement, a slow process, or a thoughtful approach.

They reflect how we view time, patience, and even the rhythm of our actions. When it’s the leisurely pace of a lazy afternoon or a measured step towards a goal, these idioms bring a sense of peace and wisdom to the concept of slowness.

Have you ever thought about how slow can be so powerful and poetic? In this post, you’ll discover a collection of slow-paced idioms that offer rich imagery and cultural depth.

From expressions that evoke nature’s gentle movements to those that reflect quiet, mindful progress, these idioms will help you describe slowness in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

List of Idioms for Slow:

  • Snail’s pace
  • Molasses in January
  • Like watching paint dry
  • Dragging one’s feet
  • Moving at a snail’s pace
  • Going at a turtle’s pace
  • Slow as molasses
  • Taking forever
  • Inch along
  • Going at a snail’s pace
  • Crawl
  • Steady as a tortoise
  • Running on turtle time
  • Plodding along
  • Glacial pace
  • Languid
  • Moving like a sloth
  • Going at a snail’s trot
  • Dallying
  • Creeping
  • Going at a slug’s pace
  • Ambling along
  • Trudging
  • Like a herd of turtles
  • Moving at a snail’s gait
  • Moseying along
  • Wading through mud
  • Going at a sloth’s speed
  • Plugging along
  • Like a tortoise on tranquilizers
  • Lumbering along
  • Slogging through mud
  • Like a turtle in peanut butter
  • Going at a tortoise’s trot
  • At a snail’s crawl
  • Like wading through molasses
  • Moving in slow motion
  • Like watching grass grow
  • Moving at a sloth’s pace
  • Like a slow-motion replay

1. Snail’s Pace

Meaning: Very slow speed.
In a Sentence: “The traffic was moving at a snail’s pace during rush hour.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This phrase is used to describe something that is moving very slowly, often with little progress. The reference to a snail highlights the slowness.
Example: The line at the grocery store was moving at a snail’s pace, and I had to wait for ages.

2. Molasses in January

Meaning: Something that is moving or happening very slowly.
In a Sentence: “The delivery was like molasses in January, it took forever to arrive.”
Alternative Way to Say: Very sluggish
Explanation: This expression compares slow movement to molasses, which is a thick syrup, especially in cold weather. It emphasizes extreme slowness.
Example: The internet connection was as slow as molasses in January when I tried to load the page.

3. Like Watching Paint Dry

Meaning: Something so boring and slow that it feels as if time is moving slower.
In a Sentence: “Waiting for the meeting to start felt like watching paint dry.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely boring
Explanation: This phrase suggests that watching paint dry is an incredibly slow process, so the phrase is used to describe situations that feel boring and drag on.
Example: The lecture was so dull, it was like watching paint dry.

4. Dragging One’s Feet

Meaning: To do something slowly or reluctantly.
In a Sentence: “He kept dragging his feet when it came to finishing his homework.”
Alternative Way to Say: Procrastinating
Explanation: This phrase is used to describe someone who is moving slowly on purpose, usually because they don’t want to do something.
Example: She was dragging her feet in returning the borrowed book, despite repeated reminders.

5. Moving at a Snail’s Pace

Snails Pace

Meaning: Moving very slowly.
In a Sentence: “The project is moving at a snail’s pace, and we need to speed it up.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: Similar to the first phrase, this describes something that is progressing at an unusually slow rate.
Example: The renovation is moving at a snail’s pace, and it’s taking longer than expected.

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6. Going at a Turtle’s Pace

Meaning: Moving very slowly.
In a Sentence: “The work on the road is going at a turtle’s pace, and it’s causing a lot of traffic.”
Alternative Way to Say: Moving sluggishly
Explanation: This phrase compares slow movement to the speed of a turtle, emphasizing how slow and steady the progress is.
Example: He was going at a turtle’s pace while reading the book, barely making any progress.

7. Slow as Molasses

Meaning: Very slow in movement or progress.
In a Sentence: “The project is slow as molasses, and we need to figure out how to speed things up.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely sluggish
Explanation: The phrase refers to the slow flow of molasses, which is thick and slow, to emphasize how much time is taken.
Example: The delivery process is slow as molasses, and I haven’t received my order yet.

8. Taking Forever

Meaning: Something that is taking an unusually long time.
In a Sentence: “This line is taking forever, I’ve been waiting for over 30 minutes!”
Alternative Way to Say: Dragging on
Explanation: This phrase expresses frustration or impatience about how long something is taking. It implies that time is passing very slowly.
Example: The meeting is taking forever, and it doesn’t seem like it will end anytime soon.

9. Inch Along

Inch Along

Meaning: To move forward very slowly, like a small step at a time.
In a Sentence: “The line at the concert was inching along, making it feel like we’d never get in.”
Alternative Way to Say: Move slowly
Explanation: To inch along is to progress at a very slow pace, often used in situations where movement feels barely noticeable.
Example: The car was inching along in traffic, barely moving at all.

10. Going at a Snail’s Pace

Meaning: Moving very slowly.
In a Sentence: “The computer was going at a snail’s pace while processing the data.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This is another variation of the earlier phrase, indicating that something is progressing at an agonizingly slow speed.
Example: The internet connection was going at a snail’s pace, and I couldn’t open any pages.

11. Crawl

Meaning: To move very slowly, often with difficulty.
In a Sentence: “The car was crawling in the traffic, and it felt like we weren’t moving at all.”
Alternative Way to Say: Move slowly
Explanation: To crawl means to move at a very slow pace, often used when there is little or no progress. It can also describe something moving with great effort.
Example: He was crawling across the floor after falling, trying to get back up.

12. Steady as a Tortoise

Meaning: Slow but consistent and reliable.
In a Sentence: “She works steady as a tortoise, getting things done slowly but always correctly.”
Alternative Way to Say: Consistent
Explanation: This phrase compares someone’s steady progress to the tortoise in the famous fable, who wins the race by being slow but steady.
Example: The team moved steady as a tortoise, completing each step one at a time.

13. Running on Turtle Time

Turtle Time

Meaning: Moving very slowly, like a turtle.
In a Sentence: “We’re running on turtle time here, and we need to pick up the pace to finish the project.”
Alternative Way to Say: Moving slowly
Explanation: This phrase implies that everything is moving at a very slow pace, similar to how a turtle moves.
Example: The construction project is running on turtle time, and it’s way behind schedule.

14. Plodding Along

Meaning: Moving forward slowly but steadily.
In a Sentence: “He’s plodding along with the work, making small progress every day.”
Alternative Way to Say: Moving steadily
Explanation: To plod along means to keep moving slowly but continuously, often without excitement or rapid progress.
Example: The students are plodding along through the semester, preparing for exams.

15. Glacial Pace

Meaning: Moving at an extremely slow pace, similar to the slow movement of glaciers.
In a Sentence: “The negotiations were moving at a glacial pace, with no sign of agreement anytime soon.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes extreme slowness, as glaciers move very slowly.
Example: The computer’s processing speed is at a glacial pace, and I’m getting frustrated.

Idioms for Small for Describing the Tiny Things

16. Languid

Meaning: Lacking energy or vitality, moving slowly due to tiredness or relaxation.
In a Sentence: “She gave a languid wave and didn’t bother to get up from the couch.”
Alternative Way to Say: Lazy
Explanation: Languid describes a slow and relaxed movement, often associated with tiredness or a lack of enthusiasm.
Example: The afternoon heat made everyone feel languid, with no one wanting to move much.

17. Moving Like a Sloth

Meaning: Moving very slowly, like the sloth animal.
In a Sentence: “I was moving like a sloth through the morning, struggling to wake up.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: A sloth moves very slowly, and this phrase describes something or someone moving at an extremely slow pace.
Example: The traffic was so bad that it felt like I was moving like a sloth.

18. Going at a Snail’s Trot

Snails Trot

Meaning: Moving at a very slow pace, even slower than a normal trot.
In a Sentence: “The meeting was going at a snail’s trot, dragging on longer than expected.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This phrase describes a pace that is incredibly slow, even slower than normal walking or trotting.
Example: The deadline is approaching, but the project is going at a snail’s trot.

19. Dallying

Meaning: Wasting time or delaying things unnecessarily.
In a Sentence: “Stop dallying and finish the task already!”
Alternative Way to Say: Procrastinating
Explanation: Dallying refers to taking too long or wasting time, often by being indecisive or not acting quickly.
Example: They kept dallying with the idea instead of making a final decision.

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20. Creeping

Meaning: Moving very slowly, often with care.
In a Sentence: “The car was creeping through the narrow street to avoid hitting anything.”
Alternative Way to Say: Moving slowly
Explanation: Creeping refers to moving with extreme slowness, often done carefully or with caution.
Example: The fog was creeping across the road, making it hard to see.

21. Going at a Slug’s Pace

Meaning: Moving extremely slowly, like a slug.
In a Sentence: “The line was going at a slug’s pace, and I had to wait for hours.”
Alternative Way to Say: Very sluggish
Explanation: Slugs are known for their slow movement, and this phrase emphasizes that something is happening at an unusually slow rate.
Example: The internet was going at a slug’s pace, and it took forever to load.

22. Ambling Along

Meaning: Moving slowly in a relaxed or leisurely manner.
In a Sentence: “We were just ambling along the beach, enjoying the view.”
Alternative Way to Say: Walking slowly
Explanation: Ambling refers to a slow, relaxed way of walking, without any particular urgency.
Example: They were ambling along the park trail, taking in the surroundings.

23. Trudging

Meaning: Walking slowly and heavily, usually because of exhaustion or difficulty.
In a Sentence: “We were trudging through the snow, tired but determined to reach our destination.”
Alternative Way to Say: Walking heavily
Explanation: Trudging implies walking slowly with effort, often due to fatigue or tough conditions.
Example: After a long day at work, he was trudging home, eager to rest.

24. Like a Herd of Turtles

Meaning: Moving extremely slowly, like a group of turtles.
In a Sentence: “The group was moving like a herd of turtles, taking forever to get to the destination.”
Alternative Way to Say: Very slow
Explanation: This expression compares slow movement to a group of turtles, emphasizing the lack of speed.
Example: The line at the amusement park was like a herd of turtles, moving at a snail’s pace.

25. Moving at a Snail’s Gait

Meaning: Moving very slowly, similar to how a snail moves.
In a Sentence: “The elevator was moving at a snail’s gait, taking forever to reach our floor.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: A snail’s gait refers to the pace at which a snail moves, which is extremely slow.
Example: The crowd was moving at a snail’s gait, barely making any progress.

26. Moseying Along

Meaning: Moving slowly in a relaxed or leisurely manner.
In a Sentence: “We were moseying along the path, taking in the beautiful scenery.”
Alternative Way to Say: Walking slowly
Explanation: Moseying along implies strolling or walking without any particular rush, enjoying the moment.
Example: The tourists were moseying along the street, not in a hurry to reach their destination.

27. Wading Through Mud

Meaning: Moving slowly and with difficulty, as if through thick mud.
In a Sentence: “I felt like I was wading through mud trying to complete all of these tasks.”
Alternative Way to Say: Struggling forward
Explanation: This expression refers to moving forward with great difficulty, as if trying to walk through heavy, sticky mud.
Example: The workers were wading through mud to build the road during the rainy season.

28. Going at a Sloth’s Speed

Sloths Speed

Meaning: Moving extremely slowly, like a sloth.
In a Sentence: “The project progress is going at a sloth’s speed, and we need to speed things up.”
Alternative Way to Say: Very slow
Explanation: Sloths are known for their slow movements, and this phrase is used to describe something moving at an extremely slow pace.
Example: The repairs were going at a sloth’s speed, and it was frustrating for everyone.

29. Plugging Along

Meaning: Moving forward slowly but steadily.
In a Sentence: “She’s been plugging along at work, getting things done despite the challenges.”
Alternative Way to Say: Making gradual progress
Explanation: This phrase means making steady progress, even if it’s slow, and is often used when someone is consistently working toward a goal.
Example: They’ve been plugging along with the renovations, taking it one step at a time.

30. Like a Tortoise on Tranquilizers

Meaning: Moving incredibly slowly, as if under the influence of something that slows it down.
In a Sentence: “The process is like a tortoise on tranquilizers, taking so long it’s almost unbelievable.”
Alternative Way to Say: Moving extremely slowly
Explanation: This exaggerates the slow pace by imagining a tortoise, which is already slow, moving even slower under sedation.
Example: The decision-making process was like a tortoise on tranquilizers, dragging on for weeks.

31. Lumbering Along

Meaning: Moving slowly and heavily, often with effort.
In a Sentence: “The old truck was lumbering along the highway, struggling to reach full speed.”
Alternative Way to Say: Moving slowly
Explanation: Lumbering refers to heavy, slow movement, like a large animal or object that requires effort to move.
Example: The group was lumbering along the trail, exhausted from the hike.

32. Slogging Through Mud

Meaning: Moving forward with difficulty, usually due to challenging conditions.
In a Sentence: “We were slogging through mud during the camping trip, but eventually reached the campsite.”
Alternative Way to Say: Struggling forward
Explanation: This phrase refers to moving through difficult or tiring conditions, like walking through thick, sticky mud.
Example: The team was slogging through mud to finish the marathon in the rain.

33. Like a Turtle in Peanut Butter

Turtle In Peanut Butter

Meaning: Moving incredibly slowly, like a turtle struggling through peanut butter.
In a Sentence: “The process felt like a turtle in peanut butter, taking forever to complete.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This expression imagines a turtle, already a slow creature, moving through a thick substance like peanut butter, emphasizing how slow something is.
Example: The computer was like a turtle in peanut butter, taking ages to load the website.

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34. Going at a Tortoise’s Trot

Meaning: Moving very slowly, like a tortoise moving at a slow trot.
In a Sentence: “The negotiations were going at a tortoise’s trot, with no sense of urgency.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This refers to a tortoise’s slow pace, especially when trotting, a gait that is slower than walking.
Example: The project progress was going at a tortoise’s trot, which frustrated the team.

35. At a Snail’s Crawl

Meaning: Moving very slowly, even more so than at a regular pace.
In a Sentence: “The construction work was at a snail’s crawl, barely moving day by day.”
Alternative Way to Say: Very slow
Explanation: This expression refers to moving at the slowest possible pace, similar to how a snail crawls.
Example: The traffic was at a snail’s crawl, barely advancing during rush hour.

36. Like Wading Through Molasses

Meaning: Moving very slowly, like walking through thick, sticky molasses.
In a Sentence: “The meeting was like wading through molasses, with every topic dragging on too long.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This phrase compares slow movement to molasses, which is thick and slow, highlighting the frustration of something taking too long.
Example: The approval process was like wading through molasses, taking forever to complete.

37. Moving in Slow Motion

Meaning: Moving at an extremely slow pace, almost as if everything is happening in slow motion.
In a Sentence: “The minutes felt like hours; everything was moving in slow motion.”
Alternative Way to Say: Very slow
Explanation: This phrase refers to a sensation where time seems to slow down, making everything appear to be moving at a much slower pace.
Example: The car was moving in slow motion as it crawled through the crowded street.

38. Like Watching Grass Grow

Meaning: Something so slow that it feels like watching grass grow, which is an extremely slow process.
In a Sentence: “The class was like watching grass grow, it felt like it would never end.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely boring
Explanation: This expression highlights how dull and slow something is by comparing it to the gradual growth of grass.
Example: The presentation was like watching grass grow, with no engaging content.

39. Moving at a Sloth’s Pace

Meaning: Moving very slowly, like a sloth.
In a Sentence: “The computer was moving at a sloth’s pace, and it took forever to open a file.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: Sloths are known for their very slow movements, and this phrase is used to describe something that moves at an exceptionally slow speed.
Example: The construction process was moving at a sloth’s pace, dragging on for months.

40. Like a Slow-Motion Replay

Meaning: Moving at a very slow pace, like a replay shown in slow motion.
In a Sentence: “The action was so slow, it felt like a slow-motion replay.”
Alternative Way to Say: Extremely slow
Explanation: This phrase describes something happening at a speed that feels unusually slow, like watching a video replay in slow motion.
Example: The game seemed like a slow-motion replay, as the players moved with minimal effort.

Practice exercise

  • The traffic was moving so slowly, it felt like we were going ____________.
  • When you’re working on something important, remember: ____________—don’t rush!
  • The project is moving at ____________—I think it might take weeks to finish at this rate.
  • He was ____________ with excitement, reluctant to leave because he didn’t want the event to end.
  • Watching the movie felt like ____________—it was so boring and the scenes dragged on.
  • Although it took him time to learn, he made steady progress ____________.
  • The workers were moving ____________, taking their time to make sure everything was perfect.
  • The decision seemed to take ____________—it felt like it would never come.
  • I’m in no rush, I’m just going to ____________ and enjoy the day.
  • The old man walked ____________, taking small steps with great care.

Key Insight About Idioms for Slow:

1. What are some common idioms for slow?

There are many fun idioms that describe slow movements or actions. These phrases often paint a vivid picture of how someone or something moves in a gentle or gradual way. Some examples include:

  • At a snail’s pace: Describes something moving extremely slowly, like a snail.
  • Like molasses: Refers to something moving slowly, often in a sticky, sluggish way.
  • In no hurry: Suggests a relaxed, unhurried pace.
  • Dragging one’s feet: Describes moving slowly because of reluctance or laziness.
  • Like a tortoise: Refers to moving slowly, similar to the pace of a tortoise.

2. How do idioms for slow movement convey the idea of gentleness?

Idioms for slow often use animals or natural elements that move at a gentle pace, like snails or tortoises. These idioms help us imagine the slow movement in a way that feels calm and peaceful. For example, “at a snail’s pace” emphasizes an extremely slow but steady pace, while “like molasses” suggests a sluggish movement that may be sticky or resistant but inevitable.

3. Are there idioms that show slow movement can be positive?

Yes! Some idioms suggest that slow movement isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be a sign of carefulness or patience:

  • Slow and steady wins the race: This famous idiom suggests that consistent, gradual effort will lead to success, even if others are moving faster.
  • Take it slow: Encourages a more relaxed, thoughtful pace in doing things.
  • Rome wasn’t built in a day: Implies that good things take time and shouldn’t be rushed.

4. How do idioms for slow movements affect communication?

Idioms for slow movements help express the pace of an action with more color and personality. Instead of just saying “slow,” these idioms bring life to the idea of moving at a relaxed pace. They can communicate the idea of caution, calm, or even laziness, depending on the context, and add a memorable touch to conversations.

5. Are there any idioms for slow movements that convey frustration?

Yes! Some idioms express frustration with slow movement:

  • Like watching paint dry: Describes something that is moving so slowly that it feels boring or frustrating.
  • At a glacial pace: Refers to something moving extremely slowly, similar to the slow movement of glaciers.
  • Taking forever: Implies that something is taking an unusually long time to happen.

Conclusion

Idioms for slow movement give us many ways to describe actions and events that happen gradually. When it’s the “snail’s pace” of something slow or the steady confidence of “slow and steady wins the race,” these idioms make talking about slow things much more colorful.

By using these idioms, you can bring a new level of meaning to your descriptions of how things unfold—when it’s a “dragging of feet” or a peaceful “taking it slow.”

Next time you need to describe something moving slowly, use an idiom to make your language more engaging and vivid. When it’s a “like molasses” moment or a “tortoise-like” movement, these idioms help you share the full experience of slow with flair.

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