Wordsmith.Org


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Yesterday's Word

Archives

FAQ


A.Word.A.Day--dilly-dally

Pronunciation: WAV or RealAudio

dilly-dally (DIL-ee-dal-ee) intr.verb

To waste time, especially in indecision; dawdle or vacillate.

[Reduplication of dally.]

"A strong leader makes decisions. Whether they are right or wrong, they get made, and they are clear. A weak executive dilly-dallies and gives false signals, leaving subordinates tocharge off in different directions." Harvey Mackay, Of monogrammed cuffs, ego size and leadership, Star Tribune, 15 Feb 1996.

This week's theme: reduplicatives.

X-Bonus

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. -Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith