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ragged

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rag the puck

1. In ice hockey, to attempt to run out the remaining time in a game by maintaining possession of the puck for as long possible. The team is notorious for ragging the puck whenever they take the lead.

2. By extension, to stall, postpone, or otherwise cause a delay by deliberately engaging in time-wasting activities. Primarily heard in Canada. Activist groups are claiming that the government has ragged the puck in relation to legislation that would better protect the environment. Quit ragging the puck, John, and make a decision already!

See also: puck, rag

be on the ragged edge

To be close to encountering or experiencing something (such as an outcome or emotional state). Primarily heard in US. After taking exams all week, I am on the ragged edge of exhaustion. The board has been on the ragged edge of discord ever since learning about the chairman's scandalous conduct.

See also: edge, on, ragged

run someone ragged

Fig. to keep someone or something very busy. This busy season is running us all ragged at the store. What a busy day. I ran myself ragged.

See also: ragged, run

talk someone ragged

Fig. to talk to someone too much; to bore someone. That was not an interview. She talked me ragged. He always talks me ragged, but I always listen.

See also: ragged, talk

run somebody ragged

to make someone work very hard When Kayo first started working here, everyone ran her ragged.

Usage notes: also used in the form run yourself ragged: When Charlie finished law school, he didn't have to run himself ragged to find a job.

See also: ragged, run

be on the ragged edge

  (American)

to be so tired or upset that you feel you cannot deal with a situation Top professional coaches are on the ragged edge of exhaustion and frustration.

See run ragged

See also: edge, on, ragged

run somebody ragged

to make someone very tired, usually by making them work too hard What with party preparations and having to look after the kids all this week, I've been run ragged.

See also: ragged, run

run one ragged

Exhaust one, as in I've run myself ragged with this project. This idiom alludes to working so hard that one's appearance is reduced to rags. [c. 1920]

See also: one, ragged, run

talk someone ragged

tv. to talk to someone too much; to bore someone. That was not an interview. She talked me ragged.

See also: ragged, talk