pulling up the rear

[greenisgood]

What is the meaning of the phrase "pulling up the rear" in American usage?

[Anglika]

Anyone could make a guess and come up with a possible answer.

As always when asking this kind of question, it is vital to give the context of the phrase. Please tell us the full text.

[greenisgood]

Anyone could make a guess and come up with a possible answer.

As always when asking this kind of question, it is vital to give the context of the phrase. Please tell us the full text.

Does it also mean catching up or trailing?

Can I use it in this sentence:

If you enter the market with a quality camcorder for under $100, you have a product that will leave Sony pulling up the rear.

Other examples:

1) Pulling Up the Rear *Modeled Behavior

2) Lane 9 News Archive: Trent Grimsey Captures King of the Sea Title in Rio

3) Sony Says PlayStation 3 Sales Up 70 Pct from Last Year

[greenisgood]

can someone weigh in on this?

[Anglika]

Seems to depend on the context, but essentially that the subject is not doing very well in some form of contest.

[alawton]

Hello,

When I hear that phrase I think of a race. The person who is in last place, and maybe struggling, is "pulling up the rear". It is almost comical. Type it in Google and see what kind of senteces it is used in. Good luck!

Andrew