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Meaning of swing the lead | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

To avoid work, especially by pretending to be ill; to shirk, to malinger.

intransitive

Examples

“Though he was by no means inclined to help⟳ carry⟳ a gas-cylinder on a pole, while watching the working party fall⟳ in on the road that night, Bourne felt rather out of it; he felt as though he were swinging the lead⟳.”
“I said, ‘Well, how d'you like⟳ having to do some work⟳ for a change⟳, instead of swinging the lead⟳ at Fort Hommet?’”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

swing through swinge swinged swingeing swingest swingeth

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