牛歩
Meanings
1
snail's pace; slow progress
Used for extremely slow movement or progress, often in a critical or humorous tone. Common in political contexts for filibustering or delaying tactics.
The negotiations progressed at a snail's pace.
The opposition party used a filibustering tactic in the Diet.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が牛歩で進むfor something to progress at a snail's pace
The negotiations are proceeding at a snail's pace.
- 牛歩のような〈事〉something that moves at a snail's pace
Everyone is frustrated with reforms that move at a snail's pace.