yak shaving
Originating from a humorous metaphor, "yak shaving" describes the often frustrating chain of minor tasks that need to be completed to achieve a larger goal.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(colloquial)Performing a series of seemingly unrelated, often trivial tasks required to solve a larger problem.
Example
- I started organizing my files but ended up yak shaving when I realized I needed to update my software first.
C1Productivity
(informal)Engaging in a chain of minor tasks that must be completed before addressing the main task.
Example
- He spent the entire afternoon yak shaving instead of focusing on his main project.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "yak shaving":