Procrastination has a sneaky way of creeping in when you least expect it — when the to-do list feels endless, motivation is low, or distractions seem far more appealing than the task at hand. It’s a universal struggle, one that blends guilt, frustration, and even humor as we put things off for “just a little while longer.”
Yet, behind every delay lies a story — sometimes of hesitation, sometimes of fear, and sometimes of just needing a break. The right words, though, can shine a light on why we stall and how to move forward.
Below are some of the most relatable procrastination phrases. They capture the art, irony, and truth of putting things off. Whether you’re looking for a gentle nudge or just a reason to laugh at your own delay tactics, these phrases remind us that everyone wrestles with time… and sometimes, tomorrow just feels easier than today.
1. Putting It on the Back Burner
When you put something on the back burner, you’re not forgetting about it — you’re just deciding that it can wait. The phrase paints a picture of a busy cook moving a pot to the back of the stove so they can focus on what’s boiling over in front. In life, we do the same when we delay a project, goal, or task until things calm down. You can use the phrase to imply that you intend to return to a task later, even if “later” sometimes never comes.
Examples:
- I’ve put my painting hobby on the back burner while I finish my degree.
- The company’s expansion plans are on the back burner until the economy improves.
2. Kick the Can Down the Road
To “kick the can down the road” means to delay dealing with a problem, hoping someone else will fix it or that it might disappear on its own. It suggests avoidance — like literally kicking a can away to deal with it later. The phrase often appears in politics or workplaces when people avoid tough decisions.
Examples:
- Instead of fixing the budget issue now, they’re just kicking the can down the road.
- I’ve been kicking the can down the road with my dentist appointment for months.
3. Procrastination Is the Thief of Time
This classic saying warns that delaying tasks steals valuable time that can never be regained. It’s a poetic reminder that hesitation and putting things off quietly rob us of progress and opportunity. The phrase holds a universal truth: the more we procrastinate, the less we achieve — not because we lack ability, but because we waste our most limited resource, time.
Examples:
- I finally started studying early this semester — procrastination is the thief of time.
- Don’t wait until the last minute; procrastination is the thief of time.
4. Stuck in Analysis Paralysis
When someone is “stuck in analysis paralysis,” they can’t move forward because they’re overthinking every option. It’s like being trapped in your own mind — endlessly weighing pros and cons until no decision feels safe. The phrase describes perfectionists, planners, and anyone afraid of making the wrong move. In the end, not deciding becomes the biggest mistake.
Examples:
- I was stuck in analysis paralysis trying to pick the best laptop, so I bought nothing.
- Don’t overthink it — analysis paralysis can stop you before you even start.
5. Treading Water
To “tread water” means keeping yourself afloat without moving forward. It’s drawn from swimming, where you stay in one place just to keep your head above water. In life, it describes situations where you’re managing to survive but not progressing — working hard but not really advancing toward your goals. It often carries a sense of exhaustion and stagnation.
Examples:
- I’ve been treading water at this job for years, waiting for a promotion that never comes.
- After the company restructured, we spent months just treading water instead of growing.
6. Playing for Time
When someone is “playing for time,” they’re deliberately stalling — trying to delay an outcome so they can think, prepare, or avoid something unpleasant. It’s often used in tense situations like arguments, negotiations, or sports, where every second matters. The phrase suggests cleverness and strategy — you’re not giving up, just waiting for the right move.
Examples:
- The lawyer kept asking questions, clearly playing for time until her client arrived.
- I wasn’t ready to present, so I played for time by asking the team for updates first.
7. Better Late Than Never
This well-known saying reminds us that doing something eventually is better than never doing it at all. It’s an encouraging phrase — a gentle way of saying that progress, even if delayed, still counts. It often carries warmth and understanding, especially when someone finally accomplishes or delivers something after a long wait.
Examples:
- You finally finished your novel! Better late than never.
- He showed up an hour late, but better late than never, I guess.
8. I’ll Cross That Bridge When I Come to It
This expression means not to worry about a problem until it actually happens. It encourages focusing on the present instead of stressing about what might go wrong in the future. The phrase originally related to real bridges that travelers would encounter along their journey — there was no sense in worrying about crossing one before reaching it. Today, it’s a calm, practical way of saying, “I’ll deal with it when it’s real.”
Examples:
- What if the car breaks down on the way? — I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
- Don’t stress about next year’s rent; we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
9. Waiting for the Right Moment
This phrase captures the idea of patience — holding back from acting until conditions feel perfect. It reflects careful timing and self-control, often seen in people who value doing things well rather than fast. It can sound wise in some contexts, but sometimes it’s an excuse for procrastination disguised as planning.
Examples:
- I’m waiting for the right moment to tell her how I feel.
- He keeps waiting for the right moment to launch his business — it might never come.
10. Holding Off for Now
To “hold off for now” means to delay taking action, usually because circumstances aren’t ideal or there’s still uncertainty. the phrase suggests temporary hesitation i.e you’re not rejecting the idea, just pausing it.
Examples:
- We’ll hold off for now until we see how the market responds.
- I’m holding off for now on buying a new phone — my current one still works fine.
11. Buying Time
“Buying time” means finding a way to gain a little extra breathing space before something must be done. It can involve distraction, delay, or negotiation — anything that gives you more moments to prepare or decide.
Examples:
- She cracked a joke to buy time while thinking of an answer.
- The team requested a short break to buy time and plan their next move.
12. Dragging Your Feet
When someone is “dragging their feet,” they’re deliberately being slow to act — often because they don’t want to do something or are trying to postpone it. The image is of someone walking lazily, each step showing reluctance. It’s a common phrase for procrastination born out of avoidance rather than indecision.
Examples:
- He’s been dragging his feet about starting the new project.
- Stop dragging your feet and just make the phone call already.