shilly-shally

¹shilly–shally

adverb \ˈshi-lē-ˌsha-lē\

Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY

: in an irresolute, undecided, or hesitating manner

Origin of SHILLY-SHALLY

irregular reduplication of shall I

First Known Use: 1700

²shilly–shally

adjective

Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY

: irresolute, vacillating

First Known Use of SHILLY-SHALLY

1734

³shilly–shally

intransitive verb

shilly–shall·iedshilly–shally·ing

Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY

1

: to show hesitation or lack of decisiveness or resolution

2

: dawdle

First Known Use of SHILLY-SHALLY

1754

Related to SHILLY-SHALLY

Synonyms

balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble (also wabble)

Antonyms

dive (in), plunge (in)

Related Words

haw, hem; dally, dawdle, delay, linger, pause, procrastinate, wait; back down, chicken (out); consider, debate, deliberate, ponder, weigh; oscillate, sway; equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, waffle

Near Antonyms

decide; budge, stir; advance, continue

⁴shilly–shally

noun

Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY

: indecision, irresolution

First Known Use of SHILLY-SHALLY

1755

Related to SHILLY-SHALLY

Synonyms

faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling (also wabbling)

Related Words

delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting; arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought; consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty; avoidance, equivocation; aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness; faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness

Near Antonyms

certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness; alacrity, eagerness, readiness