Pussyfooting Meaning in English

word · lemma: pussyfoot

US

PUH-see-FOOT-ing

UK

PUH-si-FUT-ing

Definition

To avoid saying something directly or not take a clear action, often by being overly careful or evasive.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often slightly critical; implies frustration with someone being vague or hesitant. Common with phrases like 'stop pussyfooting around.' Usually applies to discussions, decisions, or confrontation avoidance.

• Spanish: andar con rodeos - evitar el tema
• Portuguese (BR): ficar enrolando - evitar o assunto
• Portuguese (PT): andar com paninhos quentes - evitar o assunto
• Chinese (Simplified): 拐弯抹角 - 含糊其辞
• Chinese (Traditional): 拐彎抹角 - 含糊其辭
• Hindi: इधर-उधर की बातें करना - टालमटोल करना
• Arabic: المراوغة - تجنب الموضوع
• Bengali: এড়িয়ে চলা - ঘুরিয়ে কথা বলা
• Russian: юлить - увиливать
• Japanese: はっきりしない態度をとる - 言いよどむ
• Vietnamese: lảng tránh - vòng vo
• Korean: 둘러대다 - 애매하게 굴다
• Turkish: ağzında gevelemek - lafı dolandırmak
• Urdu: گول مول بات کرنا - ٹال مٹول کرنا
• Indonesian: mengelak - berputar-putar

Example Sentences

Stop pussyfooting and just tell me the truth.

basic

He kept pussyfooting around the main issue.

basic

People don't like it when politicians are pussyfooting.

basic

Honestly, I'm tired of you pussyfooting every time we have a conversation.

natural

If you keep pussyfooting around, we'll never make a decision.

natural

She was pussyfooting because she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

natural