shillyshally

/ ˈʃɪlɪˌʃælɪ /

verb

1. intr to be indecisive, esp over unimportant matters; hesitate

adverb

1. in an indecisive manner

adjective

1. indecisive or hesitant

noun

1. indecision or hesitation; vacillation

Derived Forms

• ˈshillyˌshallier, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shillyshally¹

C18: from shill I shall I, by reduplication of shall I

Example Sentences

You've got to shillyshally, and then you've got to go it blind.

From Project Gutenberg

Then a lot of shillyshally usually followed, Tom for and Dick and Harry against.

From Project Gutenberg