Shilly-shaller

The term 'shilly-shally' describes a state of indecision or wavering between two choices, often leading to procrastination or hesitation in taking action. It suggests a lack of commitment or clarity in decision-making, reflecting an unwillingness to choose a definitive path. It originates from an old English expression and is often used to criticize someone for being noncommittal or overly cautious.

Shilly-shaller meaning with examples

• When it was time to choose a vacation destination, Sarah was shilly-shallying between the beach and the mountains, unable to make a firm decision despite the impending booking deadline. She kept saying she needed more time to think, but her friends were growing impatient with her indecisiveness.
• The committee spent hours shilly-shallying over the proposed changes to the policy, with members constantly suggesting adjustments without ever reaching a consensus. Their reluctance to commit to a single direction created frustration among those eager to move forward with the project.
• Even though he had enough money to buy a new car, Mike was shilly-shallying about which model to choose, reflecting on every detail instead of just making a selection. His friends eventually pushed him to take action, knowing he could forever dwell on the decision if left unchecked.
• During the crucial moments of the negotiation, the team seemed to be shilly-shallying over the final offer, with members unable to agree on terms. As time ran out, their indecision threatened to derail the potential deal completely, showcasing the impact of their lack of unity.
• While his friends urged him to confess his feelings to her, Jake was shilly-shallying for weeks, unable to gather the courage to speak his mind. His endless hesitance only led to more confusion in their relationship, and she was left wondering about his true intentions.