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3. at a snail's pace

at a snail's pace

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at a snail's pace

Very slowly (as a snail is known to move very slowly). My research is moving at a snail's pace—every experiment I've tried so far has failed. We'll never get there on time with you driving at a snail's pace!

See also: pace

at a snail's pace

 and at a snail's gallop

very slowly. Things are moving along at a snail's pace here, but we'll finish on time—have no fear. Poor old Wally is creeping at a snail's gallop because his car has a flat tire.

See also: pace

at a snail's pace

very slowly The action moves at a snail's pace in this film, as if all the characters were asleep.

Etymology: from the fact that a snail (a small animal with a round shell) moves very slowly

See also: pace

at a snail's pace

very slowly

Usage notes: A snail is a small animal with a shell that moves very slowly.

The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace.

See also: pace