dillydally
Definition
Verb: * To waste time by being slow or indecisive; to dawdle or delay unnecessarily.
Usage
This verb describes the action of moving or acting slowly, often because one is hesitant, distracted, or avoiding a task. It implies a lack of purpose or efficiency.
* Common Constructions: to dillydally (over something), to dillydally (about something), to stop dillydallying.
* Typical Subjects: A person or group of people.
Examples
- We need to leave now. Please don't dillydally.
- She dallied over her coffee, reading the newspaper instead of getting ready for work.
- If you keep dillydallying, we'll miss the start of the movie.
- He dallied about making a decision until it was too late.
Advanced Usage
- "to dillydally over [something]": To spend too much time on a specific action, often a minor one.
- He dallied over choosing a tie, making us late for the dinner reservation.
- "to dillydally about [something]": To delay or be indecisive regarding a specific matter or decision.
- The committee has been dillydallying about the proposal for weeks.
Variants and Related Words
- Dally (verb): A more formal or literary synonym for "dillydally," with the same core meaning of wasting time or lingering. It can also have a distinct, archaic meaning of toying with something amorously.
- We have no time to dally.
- Dawdle (verb): To move or act slowly; to lag behind. It is a very close synonym.
- Stop dawdling and hurry up!
Synonyms
- Procrastinate: To delay or postpone action, especially something requiring immediate attention. (This is the synonym provided in the reference context.)
- Dawdle: To be slow and idle.
- Linger: To stay in a place longer than necessary.
- Loiter: To stand or wait around idly without a clear purpose.
- Tarry: An old-fashioned or literary word meaning to delay or be slow.
Antonyms
- Hurry
- Rush
- Expedite
- Proceed promptly
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Shilly-shally: An idiom with a nearly identical meaning to "dillydally," describing indecisive hesitation. It is often used as a verb ("to shilly-shally") or an adjective ("a shilly-shally attitude").
- We can't shilly-shally any longer; a decision must be made today.
Verb
-
postpone doing what one should be doing
-
He did not want to write the letter and procrastinated for days
-
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