At a snail's pace Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsneɪɫz/ /ˈpeɪs
AT uh SNAYLZ PAYS
ˈæt/ /æɪ/ /sneɪlz/ /peɪs
AT uh SNAYLZ PAYS
Definition
To move or progress very slowly, just like a snail moves at a very slow speed.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal expression, often used to complain about slow speed in work, progress, or movement. Collocates with verbs like 'move', 'work', 'go'. Sometimes used humorously.
Spanish: a paso de tortuga - muy lentamentePortuguese (BR): a passo de tartaruga - muito devagarPortuguese (PT): a passo de caracol - muito devagarChinese (Simplified): 龟速 - 非常慢Chinese (Traditional): 龜速 - 非常慢Hindi: कछुए की चाल से - बहुत धीरेArabic: ببطء شديد - بسرعة السلحفاةBengali: কচ্ছপের গতিতে - অত্যন্ত ধীরেRussian: со скоростью черепахи - очень медленноJapanese: カタツムリのような遅さで - 非常にゆっくりVietnamese: chậm như rùa - với tốc độ rùa bòKorean: 달팽이처럼 천천히Turkish: kaplumbağa hızıyla - çok yavaşUrdu: سست روی سے - بہت آہستہIndonesian: sepelan siput - sangat lambat
Example Sentences
The traffic was moving at a snail's pace this morning.
basic
She finished her homework at a snail's pace.
basic
The line at the bakery moved at a snail's pace.
basic
My old computer loads websites at a snail's pace these days.
natural
The renovation is moving at a snail's pace—it feels like it'll never end.
natural
Don’t expect quick results—this process goes at a snail's pace by design.
natural