Swinging the lead

Swinging the lead

SWING-ing the LED ˈswɪŋɪŋ ðə lɛd
Phrase

Pretending to work.

Example Sentences

"Stop swinging the lead!"
"Caught swinging the lead."

Etymology & History

British term for malingering. Naval origin.

Word Details

📍
Region
United Kingdom
📅
Era
1800s
Language
none
💬
Formality
informal

Learn Another Word

🔀 Shuffle & Discover
Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition Book Cover

Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition

British Slang from A to Zed

By Jonathan Thomas

📚 Over 2,000+ British Slang Definitions!

Know Another Definition?

Share Your Knowledge

Your email address will not be published.