Also: snail-paced (adj)
Meaning of Idiom ‘At a Snail’s Pace’
A snail’s pace is a very slow pace, so when something is moving ‘at a snail’s pace’ it is moving very slowly. It often refers to people performing tasks slowly but can refer to anything that moves or develops slowly.
Usage Notes
This idiom is usually used to express dissatisfaction with the pace or progress of something.
Sentences Examples
“New developments in the fight to cure cancer seem to come at a snail’s pace, but they do come.”
“Traffic was moving at a snail’s pace. I’m surprised I got here on time.”
“I can’t watch this show. The plot moves at a snail’s pace.”
“Food is leaving the kitchen at a snail’s pace,” said the head chef.
“ust tell the old guy to get a move on. He paints at a snail’s pace, for Pete’s sake.” — La chienne (1931)
“an’t it go any faster? This snail’s pace of yours is really beginning to bug me…” — Napola – Elite für den Führer (2005)
“We’d be adrift, dead in space. What’s the difference between that and travelling at a snail’s pace?” — Enterprise: Shuttlepod One (2002)
“Okay, but this time, no lollygagging around the track at a snail’s pace. Let’s make it realistic. I’ll be chasing after you like I’m the cop.” — MythBusters: Antacid Jail Break (2010)
“People deserve answers now and not at the snail’s pace of Jed Bartlet’s handpicked prosecutors.” — The West Wing: Manchester: Part 2 (2001)
Origin
Used since around the 1400s, this idiom alludes to the extremely slow way a snail moves across a surface.
It was used by Shakespeare in Richard II (~1633) as ‘snail-paced,’ spoken by King Richard in Act 4, scene 3:
Ely with Richmond troubles me more near
Than Buckingham and his rash-levied army.
Come, I have heard that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay;
Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary
Then fiery expedition be my wing,
Jove’s Mercury, and herald for a king!
Come, muster men: my counsel is my shield;
We must be brief when traitors brave the field.
