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 aheadfollowing alongpaper trailblaze a traildrop behindlead ontrack downkeep aheadchase downtail eventsawdust trailrun down