stand shilly-shally: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKInformalColloquial
  • To hesitate, vacillate, or be indecisive; to delay taking action by wavering between options.

  Examples

  Beta

  • When asked about the new project, Sarah stood shilly-shally, unable to give a clear answer.

    Cuando le preguntaron sobre el nuevo proyecto, Sarah vaciló, incapaz de dar una respuesta clara.

  • Don’t stand shilly-shally any longer—make a decision so we can move forward.

    No vaciles más—toma una decisión para que podamos avanzar.

  • He was standing shilly-shally between accepting the job offer and staying with his current company.

    Él estaba indeciso entre aceptar la oferta de trabajo o quedarse en su empresa actual.

  • They stood shilly-shally at the crossroads, unsure which path to take.

    Vacilaron en la encrucijada, sin saber qué camino tomar.

• 2.

  UKArchaicFigurative
  • To act in a dithering or irresolute manner, often implying a lack of firmness or purpose.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The manager’s tendency to stand shilly-shally frustrated the team, who wanted clear direction.

    La tendencia del gerente a vacilar frustraba al equipo, que quería una dirección clara.

  • If you keep standing shilly-shally, the opportunity might slip away before you act.

    Si sigues dudando, la oportunidad podría escaparse antes de que actúes.

  • She stood shilly-shally during the meeting, unable to commit to any proposal.

    Ella vaciló durante la reunión, incapaz de comprometerse con alguna propuesta.