in the slow lane

in the slow lane

1. In a relatively unproductive state or position; on an exceptionally slow path toward development or success. Despite a series of robust investments and initiatives, the company has remained in the slow lane compared to its competitors. The World Health Organization reported that the country is currently in the slow lane in its efforts to combat the outbreak.
2. Not engaging in energetic, pleasure-driven, or risky behavior; only doing mundane, uninteresting things. I've been firmly in the slow lane after having kids. I just don't have the time or energy to do the wild things I used to when I was younger.
See also: lane, slow
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the ˈslow lane

not making progress as fast as other people, countries, companies, etc: According to the latest survey, the country is expected to remain in the slow lane of economic recovery. OPPOSITE: in the fast lane
The slow lane is the part of a motorway/freeway in which the traffic moves slowly.
See also: lane, slow
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a whale of a
  • Mary Sue
  • carrying charge
  • bum around with (one)
  • doss
  • doss about
  • doss around
  • crazy enough (that) it just might work
  • actually
References in periodicals archive
Rebecca Cliffe has teamed up with world renowned wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas to produce "Sloths: Life in the Slow Lane", a truly stunning coffee-table formatted study which takes readers on an immersive journey through the jungles of South America to reveal the secret lives of sloths.
Sloths: Life in the Slow Lane
Richard Tarling Lorries should be made to stay in the slow lane.
Gavin Baker Lorries sould stay at 56 in the slow lane, cars at 60 in middle lane and outside lane 70 (overtaking).
WEBCHAT; The M4 in Wales: Why is it so congested, why are there so many crashes and what can be done about it?
The ones that stay in the slow lane often resent the outer lane drivers, fearing they are queue jumping.
Time to unravel mysteries of car park called the A55
I stuck to the speed limits and drove in the slow lane, but driving in it I was still tailgated by brainless drivers.
When I am driving correctly in the slow lane, this also puts my family at risk of being killed.
I have been in the slow lane and put my car on the shoulder a little.
Drivers brainless
Consequently, congestion occurs with slower moving traffic in the four centre lanes forcing faster moving vehicles to the furthest left hand lane in an attempt to overtake, leaving nobody (but me) in the slow lane. No wonder there is road rage and tailgating and flashing lights.nobody can get past the impossible barrier of vehicles all moving at the same speed in the centre of the highway!
ItAAEs time drivers learned how to use proper lanes
She said: "I was in the slow lane and, as I was coming up to the junction, I saw a car pulling across into the central reservation.
MR MOUGGOES 6MPH IN THE FAST LANE; OAP's driving causes chaos at blackspot
Every evening, the two-lane main road is clogged by motorists parking in the slow lane! I'm not talking about stopping to drop off/pick up a passenger, but full-on parking for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
The worst is outside the adjoining Nazih hairdressers and House of Uniforms - motorists stop in the slow lane and get out of their cars.
Road gridlocked