Limps along is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of moving or progressing slowly, with difficulty or in an irregular manner. It typically describes the action of an entity, such as a person, an organization, a project, or an economy, struggling to maintain a steady pace or function properly.
When something limps along, it suggests a lack of efficiency, vigor, or strength. It implies that the entity in question is not operating at its full capacity and is barely managing to continue. This term is often used figuratively and can have both literal and metaphorical connotations.
For instance, one might use this expression to describe an injured person who is walking with a visible difficulty, hobbling or dragging their feet due to a physical ailment. Similarly, in a broader context, it can portray an organization that is facing financial constraints, internal conflicts, or other obstacles that impede its smooth functioning, causing it to progress slowly and inconsistently.
In economic terms, "limps along" can describe an economy that is struggling to recover or grow. Such an economy may be experiencing a slowdown, facing challenges such as high unemployment rates, low consumer spending, or weak business investments, resulting in a sluggish and uncertain economic performance.
Overall, limps along captures the idea of something or someone continuing in motion but barely keeping up, stumbling, and lacking the force or stability to perform optimally.
