stonewaller

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stonewaller

A manager becomes a stonewaller when asked about the budget.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who stonewalls: A stonewaller is someone who deliberately delays, obstructs, or refuses to answer questions or cooperate, often by employing evasive tactics such as giving lengthy, irrelevant speeches.
Usage
  • The term "stonewaller" is used to describe a person, typically in a formal, political, or investigative context, who is uncooperative and intentionally impedes progress or the flow of information.
  • It is a derivative of the verb "to stonewall."
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The committee grew frustrated with the witness, who was a notorious stonewaller.
    • During the negotiation, he acted as a stonewaller, refusing to address any of the key points directly.
Advanced Usage
  • Political/Procedural Context: Often used to describe politicians, officials, or witnesses who use procedural tactics to avoid giving straight answers.
    • The senator was accused of being a stonewaller, filibustering to prevent the bill from coming to a vote.
Variants and Related Words
  • Stonewall (verb): To delay or obstruct by refusing to answer questions or cooperate.
    • The administration continued to stonewall the investigation.
  • Stonewalling (noun): The act or practice of stonewalling.
    • The stonewalling by the company's lawyers prolonged the case for years.
Synonyms
  • Obstructor: One who hinders or blocks progress.
  • Delayer: One who causes a postponement or slowdown.
  • Filibusterer (specific to legislative contexts): A legislator who gives long speeches to delay proceedings.
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • To give someone the runaround: To evade someone's questions or requests. (This describes similar evasive behavior but is less formal than "stonewalling.")
    • Instead of a clear answer, the customer service agent gave me the runaround.
stonewaller

A manager becomes a stonewaller when asked about the budget.

Noun
  1. one who stonewalls or refuses to answer or cooperate; someone who delays by lengthy speeches etc.