String along
verb phrase
To mislead somebody by pretending to love, like or need them.
He was just stringing her along because he needed a place to stay.
Often appears as...
- string someone along
- be strung along
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To delay or prolong something.
He's just stringing along the negotiations to get a better deal.
Often appears as...
- string along the process
- string something along
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb phrase
To follow or move with someone without any specific reason.
He didn't have anything better to do, so he strung along with us to the movies.
Often appears as...
- string along with friends
- string along in the group
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To mislead somebody by pretending to love, like or need them.
He was just stringing her along because he needed a place to stay.
Often appears as...
- string someone along
- be strung along
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To delay or prolong something.
He's just stringing along the negotiations to get a better deal.
Often appears as...
- string along the process
- string something along
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb phrase
To follow or move with someone without any specific reason.
He didn't have anything better to do, so he strung along with us to the movies.
Often appears as...
- string along with friends
- string along in the group
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Understand 'string along' often involves emotional manipulation, usually negative feelings.
She finally realized she was being strung along and ended the relationship.
Pro Tip 2/3Doubtful Intentions
'String along' may imply the person has hidden motives for their deceptive behavior.
I think he's just stringing us along until he finds a better job offer.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Genuine
The phrase often suggests the person's interests or affections are not genuine.
Don't trust him too much; he might be stringing you along.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Understand 'string along' often involves emotional manipulation, usually negative feelings.
She finally realized she was being strung along and ended the relationship.
Pro Tip 2/3Doubtful Intentions
'String along' may imply the person has hidden motives for their deceptive behavior.
I think he's just stringing us along until he finds a better job offer.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Genuine
The phrase often suggests the person's interests or affections are not genuine.
Don't trust him too much; he might be stringing you along.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
Understand 'string along' often involves emotional manipulation, usually negative feelings.
She finally realized she was being strung along and ended the relationship.
Pro Tip 2/3Doubtful Intentions
'String along' may imply the person has hidden motives for their deceptive behavior.
I think he's just stringing us along until he finds a better job offer.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Genuine
The phrase often suggests the person's interests or affections are not genuine.
Don't trust him too much; he might be stringing you along.
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