string out

English

string out (third-person singular simple present strings out, present participle stringing out, simple past and past participle strung out)

(transitive) To extend on or as if by strings, wires, etc.
Let's string out these lights across the patio.
(transitive, idiomatic) To prolong or extend in an unnecessary, contrived or time-filling manner.
Do we really need to string out this discussion any further?

I've run out of things to say, but somehow I need to string out this essay to two thousand words.
(transitive, slang) To exhaust or debilitate.
- 2013, Orion J. Holder, A Dream Come True‎^[1], page 17:
  Okay, I know I sounded like a nit-wit, but I am tired, and waiting all afternoon, not knowing what was happening, if you haven't noticed, has really strung me out.
(transitive, slang) To bring under the influence of narcotics.
- 2019, Paul Weightman, Operation Lycanthrope‎^[2], page 310:
  Although Brent had never physically harmed her, he'd strung her out on intravenous drugs and threatened the life of her family if she ever left him.
(Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) (intransitive, slang) To experience withdrawal symptoms of an addiction to narcotics.

to extend on or as if by strings, wires etc.

to prolong or extend in an unnecessary, contrived or time-filling manner