Dally
'dæli
Definitions
2 meaningsTo spend time idly; to waste time; to delay.
'dæli
To waste time; to linger or loiter idly; to trifle.
The students dallied in the hallway, delaying their entry into class.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're supposed to be cleaning your room but you're chatting with your friends instead. You're *dallying*—wasting time when you should be doing something else. Like, 'Instead of finishing my homework, I was dallying with video games'.
👶 For kids: To take your time and not hurry when you should be. Like when you're supposed to go to bed, but you're still playing with your toys!
More Examples
She was tempted to dally over the beautiful scenery, but she knew she had to continue her journey.
Don't dally; we're late!
He dallied over his coffee before heading to work.
How It's Used
"They dallied at the shops, browsing the sales."
"He dallied with the idea of running away."
To play or toy with; to flirt or engage in a casual relationship, especially one involving flirtation or brief romance.
'dæli
To flirt; to toy or trifle with.
He was known to dally with the idea of starting a new business, never fully committing.
💡 Simply: If you're flirting with someone but not serious, you might be *dallying*. Imagine a playful dance, taking a chance, and not fully committing
👶 For kids: To be playful and silly with someone, like teasing them or joking around with them in a cute way.
More Examples
She dallied with several suitors, but never committed to any.
The politician was accused of dallying with special interest groups.
She dallied with the idea of quitting her job.
How It's Used
"He dallied with several women before settling down."
"She dallied with the idea of a career change, but ultimately declined."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
dallying with death
Taking extreme risks; behaving in a manner that could be fatal.
"He was dallying with death by driving so recklessly."
From Middle English *dalien*, likely from a word related to Old French *dalier* 'to joke, trifle'.
Often used in romantic or flirtatious contexts in older literature, now somewhat less common in everyday language, but still used in more literary or formal writing.
Memory tip
Think of a lazy dog, *dallying* in the sun, not doing what it should.
Word Origin
"To delay, trifle, or spend time idly."