trail behind
The phrase "trail behind" can describe both physical movement and comparative progress, often implying a slower pace or lower achievement.
Definition
B1General
(common)To follow or move slowly behind someone or something.
Example
- The puppy trailed behind its owner, struggling to keep up.
- Her dress trailed behind her as she walked down the aisle.
B2Performance
(business, academic)To lag or fall behind in progress, development, or achievement.
Example
- Our sales numbers trail behind those of our competitors.
- He trailed behind the rest of the class in completing assignments.
C1Surveillance
(formal, secretive)To follow someone slowly and usually in a secretive manner.
Example
- The detective trailed behind the suspect, careful not to be noticed.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "trail behind":
hang behindrun behindfall behindtrail huntstay behindtail endrun afterleave behindsnail trailrabbit trailblazoned trailkick over the tracestail between one's legscling to the skirts ofchase afterout at the heelsdrag the chainrun aheadpaper trailblaze a traildrop behindlead ontrack downkeep aheadchase downtail eventsawdust trailrun down