dilly-dally

Definition

To dawdle; to waste time; to procrastinate.

Etymology

Reduplication of dally.

Example Sentences

• "It is something to have been an old soldier, but more still to have been a doctor. There is no time to dilly-dally in our work."
• "“I wouldn't dilly-dally long if I were you,” said Harkless, and his advice seemed good to the shell-men."
• "It likewise manifests the frankness of men who do not dilly-dally with terms, but who say what they mean, and who mean to settle down to a long, hard fight."