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Definition of Shillyshally
1. Noun. The act of procrastinating; putting off or delaying or defering an action to a later time.
Generic synonyms: Delay, Holdup
Derivative terms: Procrastinate
2. Verb. Be uncertain and vague.
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"
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
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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