In a dither Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdɪðɝ
in-uh DITH-er
ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /dˈɪðɐ
in-uh DITH-uh
Definition
If you are in a dither, you feel nervous, confused, or unable to decide what to do, especially in a stressful situation.
Usage & Nuances
"In a dither" is an informal, old-fashioned British expression. It describes anxiety or indecisiveness; you can be 'in a dither' or 'get yourself in a dither.' Don't confuse it with 'in a hurry'; it's more about emotional confusion than speed.
Spanish: nervioso - alterado - hecho un líoPortuguese (BR): agitado - nervosoPortuguese (PT): agitado - nervosoChinese (Simplified): 慌乱 - 焦虑不安Chinese (Traditional): 慌亂 - 焦慮不安Hindi: घबराया हुआ - असमंजस मेंArabic: مرتبك - متوترBengali: উদ্বিগ্ন - উদ্বেলিতRussian: в замешательстве - взволнованJapanese: 動揺して - うろたえてVietnamese: rối bời - hoang mangKorean: 당황한 - 안절부절못하는Turkish: telaş içinde - çok kararsızUrdu: انتشار میں - ہلچل میںIndonesian: bingung - gelisah
Example Sentences
She was in a dither about what to wear to the party.
basic
He got in a dither when he lost his phone.
basic
Don’t get in a dither over small problems.
basic
She’s always in a dither before big exams.
natural
Don’t mind Tom—he gets in a dither over the tiniest things.
natural
I was in a dither when my boss called me unexpectedly.
natural