Dillydally

/ˈdɪliˌdæli/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision; to procrastinate.

We can't dillydally any longer; we need to leave for the airport.

To behave in a silly or frivolous manner.

Stop dillydallying around and get to work on your project.

To be indecisive or dawdling.

I tend to dillydally when it comes to making important decisions.

Origin of 'dillydally' is unknown, but it likely combines 'dilly' (to dawdle) and 'dally' (to waste time).

don't dillydally

Don't waste time; hurry up.

dillydally around

To spend time aimlessly or dawdling.

stop dillydallying

Cease wasting time and get moving.

procrastinate

to delay or postpone action

dawdle

to waste time by being slow or idle

linger

to stay in a place longer than necessary

to mess around

Quit dillydallying and let’s hit the road!

to drag one's feet

He's been dillydallying about getting a job.