What does the phrase willy nilly mean?

What does the phrase willy nilly mean?

Definition of willy-nilly 1 : by compulsion : without choice. 2 : in a haphazard or spontaneous manner.

How do you use willy nilly?

without having a choice.

1. He found himself drawn, willy-nilly, into the argument.
2. The government were dragged willy-nilly into the confrontation.
3. Both sides were drawn, willy-nilly, into the conflict.
4. She was forced willy-nilly to accept the company’s proposals.
5. They all had to take part, willy-nilly.

Is Willy Nilly an idiom?

1 do something whether you want to or not: She was forced willy-nilly to accept the company’s proposals. 2 do something in a careless way without planning: Don’t just use your credit card willy-nilly. This expression is a shortened form of ‘willing or not willing’.

Where does the phrase Dilly Dally come from?

We’ve also got “dilly-dally.” The base word “dally” came in from Old French hundreds of years ago and meant to chat idly. Over time “dally” picked up other meanings such as to toy with things or spend time idly. By the 19th century we get “dilly dally.” “Dilly dally” is an example of reduplication.

Is it nilly willy or willy nilly?

Willy-nilly comes from the obsolete phrase will I, nill I, or “I am willing, I am unwilling.” The original definition, “whether one likes it or not,” gradually evolved into today’s meaning. Along the way, variations on willy-nilly included “nilly-willy,” “willing, nilling,” and “William nilliam.”

What figurative language is willy nilly?

“Willy Nilly” is an idiom has two slightly related but different meanings. When it was first coined, it meant to do something with or against one’s will; or another way of saying “it really doesn’t matter to me.” The modern and commonly used meaning is to do something in a haphazard manner.

What is short and sweet?

Definition of short and sweet : pleasantly brief : not lasting a long time or requiring a lot of time That’s the way we like the meetings—short and sweet. I’ve got a few announcements, but I’ll keep it short and sweet.

How do you use the word willy in a sentence?

My friend Billy had a ten foot willy , He showed it to the girl next door. Imogen was keen to find Richards portrait and Lisa was soon adding a little willy to his head. An individually gift-wrapped mini sticky willy that the hens will just love to feel and fondle.

Is nilly a word?

1. Without thought, order, or reason; haphazardly. You can’t just choose a college willy-nilly—you have to do some research.

Is nilly a name?

Nilly – Girl’s name meaning, origin, and popularity | BabyCenter.

How can willy nilly be used in a sentence?

He found himself drawn,willy-nilly,into the argument.

The government were dragged willy-nilly into the confrontation.

Both sides were drawn,willy-nilly,into the conflict.

She was forced willy-nilly to accept the company’s proposals.

They all had to take part,willy-nilly.

Companies were accused of raising prices willy-nilly.

What does Willy Nilly mean in Australia?

Willy nilly is a phrase that means something to the effect of “haphazard or random,” e.g. We ran around willy nilly trying to prepare last-minute for Susan’s birthday.

What does the name nilly mean?

The name Nilly has the following meaning: “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind”. The name Nili is an acronym of this phrase, which is taken from the book of 1 Samuel 15:29. This name was used by a Jewish espionage group, established during World War I.