[VP; subj: human]
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1. to be very slow in doing sth., delay sth. intentionally:
- X тянет канитель{{}}≈ X is dragging it (things) out;
- X is dragging his feet;
- X is stalling.
♦ "Вечером со сватами приду, - объявил Егорша... - Чего тут канитель разводить? Ты войди в моё положение. Мне так и эдак жениться надо" (Абрамов 1). "This evening I'm coming over with the matchmakers," announced Egorsha. ... "Why drag it out? Put yourself in my position. One way or another I'm going to have to get married" (1a).
2. to talk for a long time in a monotonous, boring manner:
- X тянул канитель{{}}≈ X went (droned) on and on.
Большой русско-английский фразеологический словарь. — М.: ACT-ПРЕСС КНИГА. С.И. Лубенская. 2004.