string along
B2 informal separable both
In simple words
To keep someone believing something false to benefit yourself, or to go along with someone.
Literal meaning: To keep something on a string — like a puppet controlled by its strings.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To deceive someone by giving them false hope over a period of time, especially in a romantic or professional context.
"He strung her along for two years with promises of marriage that never came."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To accompany someone informally; to go along with a group.
"Mind if I string along with you to the market?"
Usage notes
The deceptive sense is the most common and is often used in romantic or business contexts. The 'accompany' sense is less common and usually means joining someone informally. Often implies a sustained, prolonged deception rather than a single lie.
Commonly used with
months years false hope promises partner investor
Forms
Base
string along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strings along
he/she/it
Past simple
stringed along
yesterday
Past participle
stringed along
have + pp
-ing form
stringing along
continuous
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Synonyms
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