The phrase trail along refers to following someone or something at a slower pace, often behind the leader or the main group. It can imply a sense of lagging behind, often without much initiative or independence. Below are sentences and explanations highlighting the phrasal verb trail along:
- He had to trail along behind his friends, struggling to keep up during their hike up the mountain.
- The dog happily trailed along as its owner walked through the park, sniffing at every tree.
- The team had to trail along for several months, waiting for the approval of their project before they could move forward.
- She didn’t want to trail along at the back of the group, so she picked up the pace and caught up.
- The younger sibling often trailed along with the older ones, watching them play without participating much.
- As a new employee, he was content to trail along behind the senior workers and learn from their experience.
- The tourists trailed along behind the guide as they explored the ancient ruins.
- I don’t want to just trail along in the background of the conversation; I’d rather contribute something meaningful.
- The students had to trail along the path set by the curriculum, without much room for creative deviation.
- He decided not to just trail along with the crowd but to forge his own path and pursue his dreams.
Synonyms:
- Follow
- Tag along
- Linger
- Dawdle
- Hang back
- Meander
- Fall behind
Antonyms:
- Lead
- Forge ahead
- Take the lead
- Outpace
- Surge forward
- Advance
Related Words:
- Following
- Pace
- Lag
- Journey
- Process
- Movement
Phrasal Verbs:
- Tag along: To accompany someone, often without being invited or as a secondary participant.
- Hang back: To hold back or remain behind, often in a cautious or passive manner.
- Fall behind: To lag behind in progress or in movement.
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Tag along for the ride: To follow along with others without much involvement or leadership.
- Play second fiddle: To take a subordinate role or follow someone else’s lead.
- Keep pace: To stay with or match the speed of someone or something, avoiding trailing behind.
- Follow in someone’s footsteps: To follow the same path or actions as another person, often with a sense of imitation.
To trail along suggests moving at a slower pace than others, often following without taking the initiative or leading the way. While it might indicate a passive or subordinate role, it can also reflect a learning experience or the choice to stay behind for personal reasons.