To become stuck or unable to make progress, usually because of too much detail, difficulty, or work.
To get stuck and stop moving forward, like being caught in mud.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To become stuck in a difficult situation and unable to move forward or make progress.
"The peace talks bogged down when neither side would agree on the border issue."
We cannot get bogged down in a partisan fight.
— Barack Obama, press conference (2009)
To cause someone or something to become overwhelmed and unable to progress efficiently.
"Don't bog yourself down with minor corrections—focus on the structure first."
(Literal) To sink into wet, muddy ground so that movement becomes impossible.
"The heavy army vehicles bogged down in the swampy field and had to be towed out."
To sink into boggy (very wet, muddy) ground and be unable to move.
To get stuck and stop moving forward, like being caught in mud.
Very common in both literal and figurative uses. The passive 'bogged down' is by far the most frequent form. Often followed by 'in' (e.g. 'bogged down in paperwork'). Used in business, politics, and everyday conversation.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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