“Dally” means to waste time, delay, or move slowly without much purpose. It can also mean to spend time casually, especially when someone is not being serious or is avoiding action.
People use “dally” when they want to say someone is taking too long or not getting to the point. For example, if a person keeps delaying a decision, you might say they are dallying. It can sound a little old-fashioned, but it is still easy to understand in everyday English.
Meaning & Usage
“Dally” is often used when someone is hesitating or lingering instead of acting quickly. It can describe wasting time, delaying a task, or spending time in a light, casual way.
Examples
“Don’t dally—we need to leave now.”
“He dallied over his answer and missed the chance.”
“She dallied in the park before going home.”
Is “dally” a common word?
It is not very common in everyday speech, but people still understand it. It sounds a bit formal or old-fashioned.
Does “dally” always mean wasting time?
Mostly yes, but it can also mean spending time in a casual or playful way, depending on the context.
Can I use “dally” in normal conversation?
Yes, but most people use simpler words like “delay,” “wait,” or “mess around” instead.
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