Dally

To dally means to waste time, to dawdle, or to act playfully or flirtatiously, especially in a way that is perceived as improper or unseemly. It often implies a lack of seriousness or a reluctance to get to the point. It can encompass a range of behaviors from leisurely engagement to romantic entanglement. The connotation often carries an implication of delaying or avoiding a necessary task or commitment. In a romantic context, it often suggests light flirtation or playful affection without necessarily intending a serious relationship or commitment. Dallying can be a source of pleasure and enjoyment but also can be perceived as irresponsible.

Dally meaning with examples

• Instead of focusing on his urgent project deadline, he chose to dally online, scrolling through social media and reading news articles. He knew he should be working, but the temptation to procrastinate was too strong to resist, and he ended up finishing his project very late.
• The couple, newly in love, spent hours **dallying** in the park, enjoying each other's company and strolling hand-in-hand. They laughed, shared stories, and lost track of time, completely absorbed in the joy of their shared moments and the freshness of their feelings.
• The detective, with a crucial clue in hand, chided his partner for **dallying** at the crime scene. He knew every second wasted could allow the suspect to escape or tamper with further evidence, jeopardizing their entire investigation.
• During the negotiations, the company's representatives were accused of **dallying**, stringing the other party along with vague promises and delaying tactics. Their hesitation and inaction ultimately caused frustration and distrust among the other stakeholders.
• The children couldn't help but dally on their way to school, stopping to examine every interesting rock, chat with their friends, and chasing butterflies. Their parents often warned them about tardiness, as they enjoyed the freedom to discover new things on the way.