牛歩

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 牛歩, read ぎゅうほ, describes very slow progress likened to an ox's steps.
• Basic usage: It is used for slow negotiations or actions that delay a vote.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A figurative pace
  • In the example, 牛歩のように compares the pace to the slow steps of an ox.
• Intentional delay
  • 牛歩戦術 is a tactic of acting slowly to delay proceedings.
  • Unlike merely slow progress, it focuses on actions intended to cause delay.