a dilly of a (something)
dated slang A remarkable or extraordinary example of a particular type of thing. "Dilly," an American term from the early 1900s, possibly comes from the first syllable of the word "delightful" or "delicious." Wow, now that's a dilly of a story! There's no way that's all true, is there? Try this—it's a dilly of a pick-me-up when you're not feeling well. This is a dilly of a pickle we're in, Stuart. Just how are we going to explain this to the boss without getting fired?
a dilly of a pickle
old-fashioned slang An especially tricky, difficult, or troublesome situation. A pun on "dilly" (a remarkable or extraordinary person or thing), "pickle" (a predicament), and "dill pickle" (literally, a pickled cucumber flavored with dill). This is a dilly of a pickle we're in, Stuart. Just how are we going to explain this to the boss without getting fired? Boy, am I in a dilly of a pickle—I accidentally made plans with two different men tonight! We're in a dilly of a pickle now because the hotel gave our room away!
a real dilly
Something or someone remarkable, excellent, or very entertaining. "Dilly," an American term from the early 1900s, possibly comes from the first syllable of the word "delightful" or "delicious." Primarily heard in US. I tell you, she's a real dilly. Out at 6 AM for a run, getting the kids off to school at 7, then out to manage the firm at 8. That film last night was a real dilly, I couldn't stop thinking about it all night. You and I should go to that restaurant for sure—the meal I got last night at the business dinner was a real dilly.
dilly
1. noun, old-fashioned slang A remarkable or extraordinary person or thing. Possibly a play on the first syllable of the word "delightful" or "delicious." Primarily heard in US. Wow, now that was a dilly of a story! There's no way that's all true, is there? I tell you, she's a real dilly. Out at 6 AM for a run, getting the kids off to school at 7, then out to manage the firm at 8. This is a dilly of a pickle we're in, Stuart. Just how are we going to explain this to the boss without getting fired?
2. adjective, obsolete slang Odd or foolish; silly. Possibly a combination of "daft" and "silly." Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. I tell you, seeing them all hanging out in a barn wearing their tuxedos—it was quite the dilly sight! There's a guy on our corner who shouts about the end of the world; I think he's a little dilly. Everyone thought I was dilly growing up—my head in the clouds, lost to dreams of impossible things.
dilly-dally
informal To dawdle, loaf, or vacillate. Noah, please quit dilly-dallying! You were supposed to be dressed and ready for school 10 minutes ago! You spent so much time dilly-dallying with your friends that now you'll be up all night writing that paper. OK, we can't dilly-dally any longer—we need to make a decision now!
dilly-dally (around) with (someone or something)
To waste time with someone or something. You spent so much time dilly-dallying with your friends that now you'll be up all night writing that paper. A: "How long has Grandpa dilly-dallied with that old ham radio?" B: "Too long, considering it's still not working." You've had enough time dilly-dallying around with your video games. Now, help me clean up.
don't dilly-dally
informal Do not dawdle, loaf, or vacillate. Noah, get your school uniform on, and don't dilly-dally! You were supposed to be dressed and ready for school 10 minutes ago! Don't dilly-dally now, unless you want to be up all night writing that paper. We want you to make an informed decision, but you can't dilly-dally—we're behind enough on this project as it is.
What's the dilly?
slang What happened, is happening, or is going to happen? Why did something happen or is someone acting a certain way? ("Dilly" is likely a colloquial pronunciation of "dealy," itself a humorous, informal form of "deal.") You seem upset—what's the dilly, yo? So, what's the dilly? Are we heading straight to the movie or do you want to grab dinner first?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.