race to stand still

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[race to stand still] {v. phr.}

To be so far behind in one's work that one must exert an effort similar to that needed to win a race in order simply not to fall even further behind.

* /"Could you review this book for us, Professor Brown?" the editor asked. "Unfortunately, no," the professor answered. "I'm so behind in my work that I am racing to stand still."/

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	{v. phr.} ²¹⁸²

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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