1
general::
1. Stretch, extend; also, prolong. For example, The parade strung out for miles, or The meetings strung out over weeks instead of days. [First half of 1800s] 2. strung out. Addicted to, stupefied by, or debilitated by drug use, as in She was completely strung out when they found her. [Second half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): string something out
1. Lit. to unwind, stretch, or straighten something, such as wire, and extend it. • The workers strung the wires out before installing them. • They strung out the wires first. 2. Fig. to cause something to take more time than it ought to. • Is there any good reason to string this meeting out any longer? • Don’t string out the meetings so long.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs