Shilly-shally Definition

shĭlē-shălē

shilly-shallied, shilly-shallies, shilly-shallying

verb

Wiktionary

To be irresolute; vacillate, esp. over trifles.

Webster's New World

To be unable to come to a decision; vacillate.

American Heritage

To spend time on insignificant things; dawdle.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

adjective

Hesitant; vacillating.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

noun

Procrastination; hesitation.

American Heritage

Vacillation or irresolution, esp. over a trivial matter.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

adverb

In a vacillating manner; irresolutely.

Webster's New World

Origin of Shilly-shally

From shall I. Shill-I-shall-I was an older form.

From Wiktionary
Reduplication of the question shall I?

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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