Originally posted on Historically Speaking.
If someone is shilly shallying, they are acting irresolutely. In other words, those who shilly shally can’t be pinned down one way or another to an action or a decision leaving others with no idea where that person stands.
The Glasgow Herald published a Letter To The Editor written by Alex C.M. MacNeill in March 4, 1977 where the author voiced his displeasure at the inaction of the political parties. He took issue with the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal parties equally as the first (and only) sentence of his brief letter made clear.
The present attitude in Scotland to the shilly-shallying of the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal parties over devolution recalls to mind the saying attributed to one of the German conductors of the old Scottish Orchestra who was having trouble with a recalcitrant or incompetent brass-player: “With your damn nonsense will I twice once put up. But always? Sometimes? Never!”
In the October 16, 1942 edition of the Milwaukee Journal, Joseph Shechtman wrote about…
I love the term ‘shilly shallying’ – I plan to use it:) Keep smiling and have a lovely weekend…Janet. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t used it for years, for some reason, but it is a delightful term and I shall start using it again. Happy weekend, Janet! xx
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing my article on your blog, Sarah! Feel free to pop by again anytime soon. Suggest an idiom to be researched, and not only will I do my best to track down the history behind it, you’ll be added to “Friends Of Idiomation.” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great pleasure to share, Elyse. I shall certainly come back to you!
LikeLike
Ha — shilly shallying! I love that phrase, Sarah! I can just imagine Felicity using it in an argument with Cornelis. You’ve inspired me. Wishing you a satisfying Saturday! Mega hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That pleases me greatly, Teagan. I hope this and the inspiration from Janet’s pastels means you are now writing away like crazy. Yes, it would be a perfect expression for Felicity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well.. I might need another cup of coffee. Work-stuff got into my head that fast. LOL. But now I’m trying to refocus. Shilly shally — Shilly shally! 🙂 Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been quite awhile since I heard that phrase…a good one though. Perhaps I can work it into the conversation somehow…(K.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you’ll be able to!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the word shilly-shally much better description of my actions than procrastination…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely expression!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I expect to see it used in your next book!
LikeLike
I think my mother used to say that expression when I was a little girl and not being quick enough. Had not thought of it in years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to have brought back memories for you!
LikeLike
I love all these old expressions, so thanks for keeping them alive, Sarah.
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure, Pete!
LikeLike