pace

at a snail's pace

very slowly. The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace.

can't stand/take the pace

to be unable to do things well when you are under a lot of pressure. If he can't stand the pace he shouldn't be doing the job - it's as simple as that.

See also: can't, stand, take

put someone through their paces

to test someone's skills or knowledge. This fitness contest will really put the guys through their paces.

See also: through

set the pace

if someone sets the pace in a particular activity, they do it very well or very quickly and other people try to do the same. America's reforms have set the pace for European finance ministers. (often + for) For many years this company has set the pace in the communications industry.

See also: set

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at a snail's pace

very slowly. The action moves at a snail's pace in this film, as if all the characters were asleep.

Etymology: from the fact that a snail (= a small animal with a round shell) moves very slowly

a change of pace

a different activity than what came before. People need to get up and move around at lunchtime — they need a change of pace, and a chance to socialize. He decided to take the role because it was a nice change of pace from his last few movies.

See also: change

keep pace (with someone/something)

to stay at the same level as someone or something. We get regular pay raises that are supposed to keep pace with inflation.

See also: keep

put someone/something through their paces

to test the ability or skill of a person or system. This contest will really put you guys through your paces. Frank took the car for a drive through the mountains and really put it through its paces.

See also: through

set the pace

to do something that establishes a standard. What institutions set the pace for TV news? Our company is setting the pace for flexibility and responsiveness in the industry.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of set the pace (= to establish the speed at which a group moves)

See also: set