Dillydallying

Dillydallying refers to the act of wasting time or being indecisive, particularly when there are more important tasks that require attention. The term suggests a tendency to delay actions or decisions unnecessarily, often leading to procrastination. It can denote a playful or light-hearted form of slowness but is generally viewed negatively when it interferes with responsibilities. The origin of the word combines 'dilly' (to waste time) and 'dally' (to act slowly or loiter).

Dillydallying meaning with examples

• Despite the impending deadline, Janet kept dillydallying over small design tweaks instead of finalizing her presentation slides. Her supervisor was frustrated, noting that while perfection is admirable, it's not waiting for a delivery of ideas, especially when the clock is ticking. Janet realized that her perfectionism might hinder her success and vowed to prioritize effectively rather than getting lost in minor details.
• On Sunday morning, Paul found himself dillydallying when he should have been preparing for an important family gathering. Instead of calmly preparing his dish, he kept flipping through his favorite YouTube videos. By the time he got up to start cooking, he discovered that he hardly had enough time to complete his signature recipe, ultimately causing him to rush and lose the meal’s intended flavor.
• Children often dillydally when getting ready for school, turning what could be a quick morning routine into a drawn-out affair. Instead of getting dressed promptly, they may linger over breakfast, engaged in conversations, or distracted by toys. Parents often struggle to motivate their kids, reminding them of the importance of time management and helping them understand that dillydallying can lead to missing classes or being tardy.
• During the meeting, Dave's dillydallying led to a growing sense of impatience among his colleagues. While he had valid points, his tendency to go off on tangents and avoid focused discussion delayed the group's progress on key agenda items. Recognizing the importance of time in a professional setting, he promised himself to be more decisive and concise, ensuring productivity in future collaborative efforts.