Word: Stonewalling
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Stonewalling refers to the act of delaying or avoiding a response, especially by refusing to answer questions or cooperate with others. It often happens in conversations or discussions when someone does not want to give clear information.
Usage Instructions:
Use "stonewalling" when talking about someone who is intentionally avoiding questions or making it difficult to get information.
It often has a negative connotation, meaning that the person is being uncooperative or dishonest.
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In legal contexts, stonewalling can refer to a witness or defendant who refuses to answer questions, which can impact the outcome of a trial.
In politics, stonewalling can be used to describe tactics used by politicians to avoid accountability or scrutiny.
Word Variants:
Different Meaning:
While "stonewalling" primarily means avoiding questions, it can also refer to a strategy used in negotiations or discussions to buy time or prevent an agreement from being reached.
Synonyms:
Evasion
Obstruction
Delay
Avoidance
Stalling
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Play it close to the vest: This means to keep one's plans or intentions secret, similar to stonewalling when someone avoids revealing information.
Give someone the runaround: This idiom refers to providing misleading or confusing information to avoid giving a straight answer.
Summary:
Stonewalling is when someone avoids answering questions or cooperating, often causing delays in communication or decision-making. It's important to recognize this behavior in discussions, as it can hinder progress and understanding.