Slower than molasses Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɫoʊɝ/ /ˈðæn/, /ðən/ /məˈɫæsəz
SLOH-er than muh-LASS-iz
slˈəʊɐ/ /ðˈɐn/ /məlˈæsɪz
SLOW-uh than muh-LASS-iz
Definition
This humorous expression describes something or someone as extremely slow, comparing it to the thick, slow flow of molasses (a sweet syrup).
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and humorous, mainly in North American English. Used mostly for exaggeration, often in frustration about slow progress. Sometimes you’ll hear 'slower than molasses in January' for extra emphasis. Not literal—do not use in formal writing.
Spanish: más lento que la melazaPortuguese (BR): mais lento que melaçoPortuguese (PT): mais lento do que melaçoChinese (Simplified): 比糖浆还慢Chinese (Traditional): 比糖漿還慢Hindi: मोलैसेस से भी धीमाArabic: أبطأ من دبس السكرBengali: মোলাসের চেয়েও ধীরRussian: медленнее патокиJapanese: 糖蜜より遅いVietnamese: chậm hơn mật míaKorean: 당밀보다도 느리다Turkish: pekmezden bile yavaşUrdu: مولاس سے بھی سستIndonesian: lebih lambat dari tetes tebu
Example Sentences
This computer is slower than molasses.
basic
The line at the bank was slower than molasses.
basic
He walks slower than molasses.
basic
My old phone is slower than molasses on a cold day.
natural
Traffic was slower than molasses after the snowstorm.
natural
It took him ages to answer—he's slower than molasses when he's tired.
natural