How Do You Spell SWING THE LEAD?

1. To "swing the lead" is an idiomatic phrase with origins in nautical terminology. It refers to the act of shirking work or feigning illness in order to avoid one's responsibilities or duty. This phrase is commonly used in British English and dates back to the 19th century.

   The term "swing" in this context means to avoid or evade, while "lead" refers to a weight used to determine the depth of water. In the maritime industry, sailors used lead lines to measure the depth of the water they were sailing in. The phrase refers to a sailor deliberately and lazily swinging the lead line instead of performing their actual work duties, thus showing a lack of motivation or a desire to avoid laborious tasks.

   Metaphorically, "swing the lead" has come to represent the act of malingering or deliberately wasting time in a work or social setting. It implies a deliberate effort to appear busy while accomplishing minimal or no actual work. It suggests laziness, slacking off, or attempting to deceive others through idleness or feigned illness.

   This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who is avoiding work or responsibility. It carries negative connotations and may convey a sense of annoyance or frustration with the individual's lack of effort.

Common Misspellings for SWING THE LEAD

Idioms with the word SWING THE LEAD

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