Swing the lead
phrase
To avoid work by pretending to work.
John lost his job because he was always trying to swing the lead when the boss wasn't looking.
Often appears as...
- trying to swing the lead
- always swing the lead
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To avoid work by pretending to work.
John lost his job because he was always trying to swing the lead when the boss wasn't looking.
Often appears as...
- trying to swing the lead
- always swing the lead
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase is most common in the UK and might be less familiar in other English-speaking countries.
When I used 'swing the lead' in the US, people were confused.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Using this phrase suggests a person is dishonest or lazy in their work ethics.
The team accused Paul of trying to swing the lead on the project.
Pro Tip 3/3Workplace Context
It's often used to describe someone avoiding work at their job - use carefully as it's a sensitive accusation.
Our manager is investigating who's been swinging the lead.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase is most common in the UK and might be less familiar in other English-speaking countries.
When I used 'swing the lead' in the US, people were confused.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Using this phrase suggests a person is dishonest or lazy in their work ethics.
The team accused Paul of trying to swing the lead on the project.
Pro Tip 3/3Workplace Context
It's often used to describe someone avoiding work at their job - use carefully as it's a sensitive accusation.
Our manager is investigating who's been swinging the lead.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase is most common in the UK and might be less familiar in other English-speaking countries.
When I used 'swing the lead' in the US, people were confused.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Using this phrase suggests a person is dishonest or lazy in their work ethics.
The team accused Paul of trying to swing the lead on the project.
Pro Tip 3/3Workplace Context
It's often used to describe someone avoiding work at their job - use carefully as it's a sensitive accusation.
Our manager is investigating who's been swinging the lead.
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