hangfire
/ˈhæŋˌfaɪər/
noun
- A delay in the firing of a gun or explosive after the trigger is pulled or the fuse is lit, caused by a slow-burning primer or propellant.
- A hangfire can be dangerous because the round may fire unexpectedly.
- The instructor warned the class about the risk of hangfire in old ammunition.
- The soldier waited nervously for a hangfire before clearing the weapon.
- A situation or event that is delayed or slow to develop, especially in a frustrating way.
- Investors grew impatient with the hangfire in the company's product launch.
- The negotiations turned into a hangfire, dragging on for months.
- The project was a hangfire, with results coming weeks later than expected.