Pussyfoot Meaning in English
word
PUH-see-foot
PUSS-ee-foot
Definition
To avoid taking a clear stand or speaking directly, especially to avoid offending or to delay a decision.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes slightly humorous or critical. Commonly found in phrases like 'don't pussyfoot around.' Implies hesitation or avoidance rather than directness. Can refer to speech or action.
Spanish: andar con rodeos - evitar (dar una respuesta directa)Portuguese (BR): fazer rodeios - evitar (uma resposta direta)Portuguese (PT): fazer rodeios - evitar (uma resposta direta)Chinese (Simplified): 绕弯子 - 避而不答Chinese (Traditional): 繞彎子 - 避而不答Hindi: घुमा-फिरा कर बात करनाArabic: يدور حول الموضوع - يتجنب الجواب المباشرBengali: হিঞ্চু-ডিঞ্চু করা - এড়িয়ে চলা (কর্তব্য থেকে) - ঘুরিয়ে-পেঁচিয়ে কথা বলাRussian: увиливать - уклоняться - юлитьJapanese: はぐらかす - うやむやにするVietnamese: lảng tránh - vòng voKorean: 돌려 말하다 - 얼버무리다Turkish: ağzında gevelemek - kaçak dövüşmekUrdu: گول مول بات کرنا - ٹال مٹول کرناIndonesian: mengelak - berbasa-basi - menghindar
Example Sentences
Don't pussyfoot when you answer the question.
basic
If you keep pussyfooting, we will never decide.
basic
He tends to pussyfoot around difficult topics.
basic
Stop pussyfooting around and just tell me the truth.
natural
She didn't pussyfoot—she gave her opinion straight away.
natural
When it comes to criticism, he likes to pussyfoot so he doesn't offend anyone.
natural