Sometimes in life, things move at a gentle, easy pace. And that’s okay! Whether you’re talking about a slow person, a slow process, or just taking your time, there are many idioms to help you describe it kindly and clearly. In this article, I’ll share 25 idioms for slow that are easy to understand, thoughtful to use, and perfect for conversations with warmth and care. Let’s take it slow and enjoy these helpful expressions together!
1. Slow and steady wins the race
Meaning:
Going slow but not giving up can lead to success.
In a sentence:
He works slowly, but slow and steady wins the race.
Best use:
To remind someone that patience pays off.
Other ways to say:
- Take your time
- Steady work pays
- No rush
2. Like watching paint dry
Meaning:
Something very boring and slow.
In a sentence:
That long meeting felt like watching paint dry.
Best use:
To describe something super slow and dull.
Other ways to say:
- So boring
- Takes forever
- Dull as dishwater
3. Snail’s pace
Meaning:
Moving very slowly.
In a sentence:
The traffic was moving at a snail’s pace.
Best use:
For something that is barely moving.
Other ways to say:
- Crawling along
- Super slow
- Inch by inch
4. Drag your feet
Meaning:
To move slowly on purpose.
In a sentence:
She’s dragging her feet on finishing her homework.
Best use:
When someone doesn’t feel like hurrying.
Other ways to say:
- Take your sweet time
- Delay things
- Move lazily
5. Take your time
Meaning:
Go as slow as you need.
In a sentence:
No rush! Take your time with the test.
Best use:
To help someone feel calm.
Other ways to say:
- No hurry
- Relax
- Go easy
6. Move at a crawl
Meaning:
Going very slowly.
In a sentence:
The line at the store moved at a crawl.
Best use:
When things are slow and steady.
Other ways to say:
- Slow progress
- Barely moving
- Inch forward
7. Rome wasn’t built in a day
Meaning:
Big things take time.
In a sentence:
Be patient—Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Best use:
When reminding someone good work takes time.
Other ways to say:
- Great things take time
- Don’t rush
- Patience matters
8. At a snail’s crawl
Meaning:
Extremely slow movement.
In a sentence:
The old computer works at a snail’s crawl.
Best use:
For very slow things.
Other ways to say:
- Creeping along
- Super slow
- Barely going
9. Step by step
Meaning:
One small part at a time.
In a sentence:
We finished the puzzle step by step.
Best use:
When something is done slowly but carefully.
Other ways to say:
- Little by little
- Piece by piece
- Bit by bit
10. In no rush
Meaning:
Not needing to hurry.
In a sentence:
I’m in no rush, so take your time.
Best use:
To keep things calm and slow.
Other ways to say:
- No hurry
- Relaxed pace
- Slow and easy
11. Like molasses in January
Meaning:
Moving very, very slowly.
In a sentence:
The internet is like molasses in January today.
Best use:
When things feel extra slow.
Other ways to say:
- So slow
- Barely moving
- Crawling
12. Paddle through molasses
Meaning:
Trying to move through something super slow.
In a sentence:
Finishing that test felt like paddling through molasses.
Best use:
For slow, hard tasks.
Other ways to say:
- Tough going
- Slow work
- Hard progress
13. Take it slow
Meaning:
Move carefully and calmly.
In a sentence:
Take it slow on the icy road.
Best use:
For safety and patience.
Other ways to say:
- Go easy
- Don’t rush
- Careful now
14. Moving like a turtle
Meaning:
Moving very slowly.
In a sentence:
She’s moving like a turtle this morning.
Best use:
For playful, slow descriptions.
Other ways to say:
- Turtle speed
- Super slow
- Like a snail
15. Slowpoke
Meaning:
A person who moves slowly.
In a sentence:
Come on, slowpoke, we’re late!
Best use:
When teasing someone kindly.
Other ways to say:
- Tortoise
- Pokey
- Slow mover
16. Take the scenic route
Meaning:
Choose the longer, slower way.
In a sentence:
We took the scenic route to enjoy the view.
Best use:
For relaxed, slow travel.
Other ways to say:
- Longer path
- Easy drive
- Nice and slow
17. Slow going
Meaning:
Progress is slow.
In a sentence:
It’s slow going, but we’re getting there.
Best use:
When work is steady but slow.
Other ways to say:
- Hard work
- Takes time
- Careful progress
18. Don’t rush perfection
Meaning:
Good things take time.
In a sentence:
Take your time—don’t rush perfection.
Best use:
When reminding someone to do their best.
Other ways to say:
- Patience pays
- Care matters
- Quality over speed
19. Like a sloth
Meaning:
Very slow-moving.
In a sentence:
I feel like a sloth on rainy days.
Best use:
For lazy or slow moods.
Other ways to say:
- Super slow
- Sleepy pace
- Lazy day
20. Easy does it
Meaning:
Go slow and careful.
In a sentence:
Easy does it with that heavy box.
Best use:
For tasks that need patience.
Other ways to say:
- Take care
- Move gently
- No rush
21. Tread carefully
Meaning:
Move slowly and watchfully.
In a sentence:
Tread carefully when walking on ice.
Best use:
For safety and caution.
Other ways to say:
- Watch your step
- Go slow
- Be careful
22. Take baby steps
Meaning:
Make small, slow progress.
In a sentence:
Just take baby steps and you’ll get there.
Best use:
For learning or trying something new.
Other ways to say:
- One step at a time
- Little by little
- Tiny steps
23. Crawling along
Meaning:
Moving very slowly.
In a sentence:
The project is crawling along.
Best use:
For slow progress.
Other ways to say:
- Barely moving
- Step by step
- Inch by inch
24. Running on empty
Meaning:
Feeling slow from being tired.
In a sentence:
I’m running on empty after that long day.
Best use:
When you’re too tired to go fast.
Other ways to say:
- Worn out
- Exhausted
- Running low
25. Slower than a snail
Meaning:
Extremely slow.
In a sentence:
This computer is slower than a snail.
Best use:
For something frustratingly slow.
Other ways to say:
- Turtle speed
- Barely moving
- Super slow
Conclusion
In life, slow isn’t always bad. Sometimes it’s exactly what we need to stay calm, careful, and kind. These 25 idioms for slow give you comforting and thoughtful ways to talk about the quiet, gentle pace of life.
