Definition of Shillyshally

1. Verb. Be uncertain and vague.

Generic synonyms: Hover, Oscillate, Vacillate, Vibrate

2. Noun. The act of procrastinating; putting off or delaying or defering an action to a later time.
Exact synonyms: Cunctation, Procrastination
Generic synonyms: Delay, Holdup
Derivative terms: Procrastinate

3. Verb. Postpone doing what one should be doing. "They shillyshally a long time"; "He did not want to write the letter and procrastinated for days"
Exact synonyms: Dilly-dally, Dillydally, Drag One's Feet, Drag One's Heels, Procrastinate, Stall
Generic synonyms: Delay
Specialized synonyms: Procrastinate
Derivative terms: Dillydallier, Procrastination, Procrastinator, Stall

Definition of Shillyshally

1. v. i. To hesitate; to act in an irresolute manner; hence, to occupy one's self with trifles.

2. n. Irresolution; hesitation; also, occupation with trifles.

Lexicographical Neighbors of Shillyshally

shillelahs
shillin'
shilling
shilling scars
shilling shocker
shilling shockers
shilling sign
shillings
shills
shilly-shallied
shilly-shallies
shilly-shally
shilly-shallying
shilly-shallyings
shilly and shally
shillyshally (current term)
shillyshallying
shiloh
shilpit
shily
shimaal
shimaals
shimadas
shimamushi disease
shime-waza
shimekomi
shimiyana
shimmed

Literary usage of Shillyshally

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Adam Bede by George Eliot (1893)
"I mean, you are never shillyshally, — first making up your mind that you won't do a thing, and then doing it after all ? " " Well," said Adam, slowly, ..."

2. George Eliot's Works by George Eliot (1893)
"I mean, you are never shillyshally, — first making up your mind that you won't do a thing, and then doing it after all?" " Well," said Adam, slowly, ..."

3. The Living Age by Making of America Project, Eliakim Littell, Robert S. Littell (1867)
""I don't play shillyshally, If I'm to serve the Lord at all, 'twill be continually ; And put the Lord Almighty off by howling out on one day ; You think ..."

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