Definition of drag by

The phrase "drag by" is an informal phrasal verb commonly used in English, meaning to pass by or to make a slow and unwelcome approach. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was primarily used to describe the slow movement of something heavy, such as a large ship or a wagon being pulled by animals. In its earliest uses, the phrase "drag by" referred specifically to the act of dragging something heavy across the ground by pulling it with ropes or harnesses. This meaning can still be found today in the expression "dragged by horses," which is used to describe a car or wagon that has been abandoned and left to be pulled along by the forces of nature. As the phrase became more commonly used in everyday English, it began to take on a broader meaning that went beyond just the movement of heavy objects. Today, "drag by" is often used to describe the slow and unwelcome approach of someone or something, as if they are being dragged by an unseen force. In this context, the phrase carries with it a sense of reluctance or frustration, as if the speaker is being forced to witness something unpleasant that they would rather avoid. Overall, the phrasal verb "drag by" is a colorful and evocative expression that highlights the physical and emotional force required to move something heavy or unwelcome, and it continues to be used in modern English despite its relatively recent origins.