Dally with
verb
To spend time in an unimportant activity or to play in a not serious manner with something.
He dallied with the idea of quitting his job to travel the world.
Often appears as...
- dally with the idea
- dally with the thought
verb
To have a romantic relationship with someone without serious intention.
She used to dally with many men before she eventually settle for one.
Often appears as...
- dally with men
- dally with her
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To spend time in an unimportant activity or to play in a not serious manner with something.
He dallied with the idea of quitting his job to travel the world.
Often appears as...
- dally with the idea
- dally with the thought
verb
To have a romantic relationship with someone without serious intention.
She used to dally with many men before she eventually settle for one.
Often appears as...
- dally with men
- dally with her
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Procrastination Hint
Suggests wasting time or delaying decisions.
She dallied with her assignment, watching TV instead.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-committal
Implies lack of serious commitment or consideration about something.
He dallied with the idea of opening a restaurant, but never did.
Pro Tip 3/3Playfulness Suggested
Can convey a playful attitude towards a situation or idea.
They dallied with the thought of moving abroad for adventure.
Pro Tip 1/3Procrastination Hint
Suggests wasting time or delaying decisions.
She dallied with her assignment, watching TV instead.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-committal
Implies lack of serious commitment or consideration about something.
He dallied with the idea of opening a restaurant, but never did.
Pro Tip 3/3Playfulness Suggested
Can convey a playful attitude towards a situation or idea.
They dallied with the thought of moving abroad for adventure.
Pro Tip 1/3Procrastination Hint
Suggests wasting time or delaying decisions.
She dallied with her assignment, watching TV instead.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-committal
Implies lack of serious commitment or consideration about something.
He dallied with the idea of opening a restaurant, but never did.
Pro Tip 3/3Playfulness Suggested
Can convey a playful attitude towards a situation or idea.
They dallied with the thought of moving abroad for adventure.
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