dillydally

American  

[dil-ee-dal-ee, -dal-] / ˈdɪl iˌdæl i, -ˈdæl- /

verb (used without object)

dillydallied, dillydallying

1. to waste time, especially by indecision; vacillate; trifle; loiter.

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Etymology

Origin of dillydally

First recorded in 1735–45; gradational reduplication of dally

Example Sentences

All three airlines I contacted delayed, obfuscated or otherwise dillydallied before getting me answers, but let’s start with your travel agent, American Express.

From New York Times

Put one in airplanes to get dillydallying passengers into their seats.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, a new session of Parliament is set to open on Monday — more than two months after the election, a period opposition parties have complained has been unnecessary dillydallying.

From Washington Post

Revealing an uncharacteristic lack of decision, the emperor dillydallied, then trusted the English to be honorable and soon found himself en route to St. Helena.

From Washington Post

What vexes isn’t the duration but the dillydallying.

From Los Angeles Times