shillyshally
Britishverb
adverb
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
- shillyshallier noun
Etymology
Origin of shillyshally
C18: from shill I shall I, by reduplication of shall I
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many more would in principle like the UK to stay, but are completely exasperated with London’s shillyshallying and feel it is more important for the rest of the EU to get on with saving itself.
From The Guardian
What if he were to shillyshally when prompt action was urgent!
From Project Gutenberg
That's what she ought to have done, and have had a bit of a run for her money, instead of shillyshallying about with that idiot Strong—— And then a maiden speech will be given us.
From Project Gutenberg
"What fellow?" said Philip, "why, this one that is shillyshallying with you night after night."
From Project Gutenberg
Well, the truth is, I saw you did not want to go; you kept holding back from it; and if I had spoken you would have shillyshallied over it until the season was over.
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
