Английский словарь американских идиом - 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."/