slow-roll
Drag out strategically
Slow-roll means to deliberately delay or drag out a process, typically to gain advantage or wear down an opponent.
The term originated in poker, where a player with a winning hand pauses dramatically before revealing it—a move considered poor etiquette.
In broader use, it describes any calculated stalling: The insurance company slow-rolled our claim for months.
Government agencies might slow-roll document requests; businesses slow-roll competitors waiting on approvals.
Extend duration unnecessarily
- prolongExtend in duration
- extendMake longer or larger
- dawdleLinger without purpose
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
temporize · procrastinate · linger · lag · stretch · defer · postpone · dillydally
Enclosed compartment or delay
- delayEnforced waiting period
- impedeTo obstruct movement
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- hinderObstruct or delay
stonewall · withhold · thwart · hamper · stymie · obstruct · sandbag · bottleneck
Consciously chosen, not accidental
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- incrementalProceeding by small additions
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
measured · tactical · paced · cautious · controlled · systematic · strategic · patient
Intense weary annoyance
- impatienceIntolerance of delay
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
aggravation · displeasure · vexation · disgruntlement · stonewalled · runaround · teased · baited
protract
Extend duration unnecessarily
stall · temporize · procrastinate · linger · lag · stretch · defer · postpone · dillydally · tarry
stall
Enclosed compartment or delay
hinder · stonewall · withhold · thwart · hamper · stymie · obstruct · sandbag · bottleneck · bureaucratic
deliberate
Consciously chosen, not accidental
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- incrementalProceeding by small additions
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
methodical · measured · tactical · paced · cautious · controlled · systematic · strategic · patient · unhurried
exasperation
Intense weary annoyance
- impatienceIntolerance of delay
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
resentment · aggravation · displeasure · vexation · disgruntlement · stonewalled · runaround · teased · baited
slow-rollrush
Quick sudden movement
expedite · fast-track · hurry · accelerate · speed up
slow-rollcome clean
Admit the full truth
lay one's cards on the table · level with · tell all · spill · divulge
slow-rollfacilitate
Make something easier
expedite · greenlight · rubber-stamp · grease the wheels · bend over backwards
slow, roll, slows, slowed, slower, slowest, slowly, slowness, rolls