Shilly Shally

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪli ˈʃæli/

Definitions of shilly shally

noun indecisiveness or hesitation in making a decision

Example Sentences

A1 I don't like when people shilly shally and can't make a decision.

A2 Her constant shilly shallying is starting to annoy me.

B1 The team's shilly shally over the project deadline caused delays.

B2 The CEO's shilly shallying on important decisions is affecting company morale.

C1 The government's shilly shally in implementing new policies is frustrating for the public.

C2 The diplomat's shilly shallying during negotiations led to a breakdown in communication.

verb to show indecision or hesitation in making a decision

Example Sentences

A1 She shilly shallied before making a decision.

A2 Don't shilly shally, just choose one already!

B1 I tend to shilly shally when it comes to big purchases.

B2 His constant shilly shallying is starting to annoy me.

C1 Her shilly shallying over every little detail is delaying the project.

C2 It's time to stop shilly shallying and take action.

Examples of shilly shally in a Sentence

formal It is important to make decisions promptly and not shilly shally in business meetings.

informal Stop shilly shallying and just choose a movie to watch!

slang Quit shilly shallying and just do it already!

figurative Her mind shilly shallied between staying in her comfort zone and taking a risk.

Grammatical Forms of shilly shally

past tense

shilly shallied

plural

shilly shallies

comparative

more shilly shally

superlative

most shilly shally

present tense

shilly shally

future tense

will shilly shally

perfect tense

have shilly shallied

continuous tense

is shilly shallying

singular

shilly shally

positive degree

shilly shally

infinitive

to shilly shally

gerund

shilly shallying

participle

shilly shallied

Origin and Evolution of shilly shally

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'shilly shally' is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'shill I shalle I', which was derived from the Old English word 'sculan' meaning 'to separate or divide'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'shilly shally' evolved to mean indecisiveness or hesitation in English language usage.