"Dilly-dallied" Meaning
The verb "dilly-dallied" means to waste time or procrastinate, often in a leisurely or frivolous manner. It is often used to describe someone who is lazy or put-off, and can also imply a sense of playful or whimsical delay. For example, "I was supposed to finish the project yesterday, but I ended up dilly-dallying and didn't get started until today."
"Dilly-dallied" Examples
Dilly-dallied: Verb Form and Definition
Definition: To waste time or delay unnecessarily; to lollygag or dawdle.
Examples:
| Example Sentence | Meaning | Context |
| --- | --- | --- |
| They dilly-dallied for hours, trying to decide which restaurant to go to. | Delaying a decision-making process unnecessarily. | Social gathering |
| The project deadline was nearing, but the team continued to dilly-dallied, working slowly. | Procrastinating and wasting time. | Work environment |
| She spent the whole day dilly-dallying in the mall, trying out clothes and accessories. | Enjoying leisure time without a specific purpose. | Leisure activity |
| The kids dilly-dallied in the backyard, playing tag and having a water balloon fight. | Engaging in recreational activities, away from home. | Playtime |
| The students dilly-dallied, focusing more on their phones than the lesson in class. | Paying inadequate attention to a task or lesson. | Education