Dilly-dallying

Dilly-dallying refers to the act of wasting time or being indecisive, often characterized by procrastination or hesitation in taking action. It implies a lack of urgency or purpose, leading to delays in completing tasks or making decisions. This term is often used informally and can suggest a carefree attitude towards time, sometimes resulting in negative consequences when promptness is required.

Dilly-dallying meaning with examples

• Despite having a crucial project deadline approaching, Jessica found herself dilly-dallying at the coffee shop, scrolling through her phone instead of getting to work. Her colleagues had warned her about the potential risks, but she shrugged them off, thinking she had enough time. However, as the hours slipped by, she realized the gravity of her procrastination when the deadline loomed closer and closer.
• During the group excursion, Mark's dilly-dallying caused frustration among his friends who were eager to explore the beautiful hiking trail. While they had set an early start to make the most of the day, Mark kept checking his backpack and fiddling with his gear, delaying their departure. His carefree attitude, while charming at times, led to shared disappointment as the sun began to rise higher in the sky without them ever hitting the trail.
• In a crucial meeting where decisions needed to be made swiftly, Sarah’s dilly-dallying over which graphics to include in the presentation frustrated her team. They had all prepared extensively, ready to tackle the agenda items, but Sarah's indecision meant they wasted valuable time. Her hesitation symbolized a larger issue of reluctance to embrace accountability, hindering progress and undermining the team's cohesion.
• Tom could easily recognize the dilly-dallying habits in his work routine; he often spent too much time debating minor details of a report, fearing that it wouldn’t be perfect. His tendency to second-guess each decision frustrated his boss, who valued efficiency. This reluctance to act caused delays in his projects, ultimately leading to missed opportunities and the realization that perfection often hinders productivity.