shilly shally crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're pondering the "shilly shally" crossword clue, you've landed on the ultimate resource. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers, carefully categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We've also included detailed explanations to ensure you understand why each answer fits.
Solutions for "shilly shally crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
WAVER: To be undecided between two opinions or courses of action. A shorter, common synonym for being indecisive.
6 Letters
DITHER: To be indecisive or hesitant. This word perfectly captures the essence of shilly-shallying, reflecting a state of irresolution.
DAWDLE: To waste time; be slow. While often about slowness, it can imply indecision when one delays action by being unsure.
8 Letters
HESITATE: To pause or hold back in uncertainty or reluctance. This is a very common and direct answer for the clue, indicating a lack of immediate decision or action.
9 Letters
VACILLATE: To waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive. A more formal and articulate synonym for the act of shilly-shallying, often seen in more advanced puzzles.
More About "shilly shally crossword clue"
The phrase "shilly shally" is an informal term used to describe a state of indecision or procrastination. It comes from the 17th-century reduplication of "shall I?", illustrating the internal debate of someone who can't make up their mind. When you encounter "shilly shally" in a crossword, the setter is looking for a word that conveys this sense of hesitation, wavering, or delaying action due to uncertainty.
Understanding the nuances of such phrasal clues is key to solving crosswords efficiently. "Shilly shally" isn't just about slowness, but specifically about slowness caused by a lack of decision or resolve. Therefore, answers like HESITATE, DITHER, and VACILLATE are often spot-on as they directly relate to the psychological state of being indecisive. DAWDLE can fit if the context implies that the slowness is due to an inability to make a choice or proceed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters required for the answer. "Shilly shally" can lead to words of varying lengths, so knowing the exact count from the grid is your first critical step.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean the same as "shilly shally" (e.g., waver, procrastinate) or their direct opposites (e.g., resolve, decide). Sometimes, clues use antonyms in combination with negative phrasing.
- Context is King: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. Is it asking for an adjective, a verb, or a noun? This can narrow down your choices significantly, even for a common clue like this one.
- Practice Reduplicative Phrases: Many crosswords feature reduplicative phrases similar to "shilly shally" (e.g., dilly-dally, harum-scarum). Familiarity with these can often give you an edge in understanding the intended meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "shilly shally" mean in a crossword context?
"Shilly shally" refers to indecision, hesitation, or a lack of resolve. In crosswords, it often clues words like HESITATE, DITHER, VACILLATE, or DAWDLE, all implying a delay or wavering due to uncertainty or a reluctance to act.
How can I find the correct answer length for "shilly shally"?
The length of the answer is always indicated in the crossword puzzle grid or clue numbering (e.g., "(6)" for a six-letter word). Match the meaning of "shilly shally" with the available letters and length in your puzzle. Common lengths for this clue include 5 (WAVER), 6 (DITHER, DAWDLE), 8 (HESITATE), or 9 (VACILLATE).
Are there other phrases similar to "shilly shally" that appear in crosswords?
Yes, clues implying indecision, hesitation, or procrastination are common. Look out for phrases like "waver," "dilly-dally," "be irresolute," "drag one's feet," or "procrastinate." These can lead to similar answers such as WAVER, PROCRASTINATE, DEMUR, or STALL.