Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dilly-dallies

verb (sometimes used as a noun)
/ˈdɪli ˈdæliz/
Definition
To waste time or to procrastinate instead of doing something that needs to be done.
Examples
  • Stop dilly-dallying and get to work on your project.
  • She dilly-dallies every morning, making us late for school.
  • We don’t have time to dilly-dally if we want to catch the bus.
Meaning
The term refers to the act of being indecisive or overly cautious, often resulting in delays.
Synonyms
  • procrastinate
  • waste time
  • dawdle
  • loaf
  • fritter away