1 B2 idiomatic informal
To move or travel at a frustratingly slow speed
"A truck was poking along at twenty miles an hour on the narrow lane, holding up all the traffic behind it."
poke along
B2 informal intransitive
To move or proceed very slowly, especially in a way that frustrates others
In plain English
To go very slowly and in no hurry, which can annoy other people
What does "poke along" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
More common in American English. Often used with mild irritation or impatience. Can describe a slow vehicle, a slow process, or a person dawdling. Suggests the slowness is unnecessary or inconsiderate.
Words that pair with "poke along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
traffic car driver progress pace work
How to conjugate "poke along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
poke along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pokes along
he/she/it
Past simple
poked along
yesterday
Past participle
poked along
have + pp
-ing form
poking along
continuous
Hear "poke along" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "poke along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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