dilly-dally: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, slightly old-fashioned, sometimes playful or mildly scolding
Quick answer
What does “dilly-dally” mean?
To waste time by being slow, indecisive, or idle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To waste time by being slow, indecisive, or idle.
To procrastinate or act in a hesitant, aimless, or ineffectual manner, often implying a lack of purpose or direction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more stereotypically associated with British English in some contexts, but fully understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Both: informal, often used by an authority figure (parent, teacher) to a child, or in light-hearted criticism. Can sound quaint or humorous.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally more common in UK English, especially in spoken, familial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dilly-dally” in a Sentence
Intransitive verb (often with prepositional phrases: 'over a decision', 'about the house')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dilly-dally” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We can't dilly-dally any longer; the pub closes in twenty minutes.
- She dilly-dallied over the menu while the queue behind her grew.
American English
- Quit dilly-dallying and get in the car!
- He dilly-dallied around the house instead of starting his homework.
adjective
British English
- His dilly-dallying approach drove his efficient boss mad.
American English
- We don't have time for your dilly-dallying ways.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate in formal business writing or meetings. Might be used in very informal internal chat to chide someone lightly.
Academic
Never used in academic writing due to its informal register.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in spoken language, especially with children, friends, or family when someone is taking too long.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dilly-dally”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dilly-dally”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'dally' (which can have romantic connotations).
- Misspelling as 'dilly dally' (without hyphen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can sound impatient or mildly scolding, but it is not generally considered offensive. Tone is important.
Rarely. The noun form would be 'dilly-dallying' (e.g., 'There's been too much dilly-dallying').
'Dawdle' focuses more on slow movement. 'Dilly-dally' emphasizes indecision or trivial activity as the cause of the delay.
No, it is used and understood in American English as well, though it might be perceived as slightly more British in flavour.
To waste time by being slow, indecisive, or idle.
Dilly-dally is usually informal, slightly old-fashioned, sometimes playful or mildly scolding in register.
Dilly-dally: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪli ˈdæli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪli ˈdæli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms beyond the verb itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two characters named Dilly and Dally who are always late because they can't decide which way to go.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDECISION/INACTION IS CIRCULAR, POINTLESS MOTION (dilly-dallying suggests moving back and forth without progress).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'dilly-dally' be LEAST appropriate?