To be prolonged; to drag on or persist — used when something (a meeting, illness, negotiation, etc.) continues longer than expected.
会議が長引いて終電に乗り遅れてしまった。
The meeting dragged on and I missed the last train.
風邪の症状が長引いて、なかなか治らない。
My cold symptoms have persisted and won't get better easily.
交渉が長引くと双方に不利益が出る可能性がある。
If negotiations drag on, both sides may suffer disadvantages.