pussyfoot

pussyfoot (around)

To behave in an overly cautious, timid, or non-committal manner. He had a chance to take over the business for himself if he hadn't kept pussyfooting around. All this pussyfooting is going to cost us our chance at closing the deal.
See also: pussyfoot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pussyfoot around

Fig. to go about timidly and cautiously. (Alludes to a cat walking carefully.) Stop pussyfooting around! Get on with it! I wish that they would not pussyfoot around when there are tough decisions to be made.
See also: around, pussyfoot
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pussyfoot (around)

in. to behave in a very cautious manner; to (metaphorically) tread softly; to hedge or equivocate. Come on and say what you mean! Stop pussyfooting.
See also: around, pussyfoot

pussyfoot

verb
See pussyfoot around
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • pussyfoot (around)
  • pussyfoot around
  • toy
  • boy toy
  • fly (one's) freak flag
  • do unto others
  • don't make yourself a mouse, or the cat will eat you
  • gain in
  • gain in (something)
  • pipsqueak
References in periodicals archive
Politicians pussyfoot around for fear of saying the wrong thing, leaving an open door for Griffin to goosestep through.
Windbag blew his chances
With Bush and Blair in office, world peace is guaranteed because they will not pussyfoot around when it comes to dealing with tin pot dictators.
Bush and Blair's peace guarantee
Our politicians pussyfoot around trying to tidy up the criminals worst efforts.
No surprise; YOUR LETTERS
"You need to get hold of them, you don't pussyfoot around them.
Football: Republic stars get Roy rap
So lets not pussyfoot around and go for a ban on smoking everywhere with the exception of your own home where it affects only yourselves or your very young children who have no say in the matter but will probably follow your addictive behaviour when they become old enough to strike a light.
No half measures
This has got to be a turning point in today's tolerant society.We can no longer pussyfoot around and have the law in favour of the criminal instead of the public.
Your view: Sick society
All the judges seem to do is pussyfoot around, slapping wrists and telling these low lifes that they must be good boys in the future.
Letter: Your Say - Abigail sentence outrage
Don't pussyfoot come Budget time with the odd pence on beer and a couple more on spirits - double or even treble the duty.
Joan Burnie : Binge drinking
But there's no point in doing it if he's going to pussyfoot and not take real action.
ANNA SMITH: Scrap the marches
I am fat I don't pussyfoot around, calling myself 'obese' or 'plump'.
Your view: your texts
Second Division side Ourense didn't pussyfoot about in signing Portuguese midfielder Quim Duarte.
IT'S A FANNY OLD GAME!
Mee..oww, that hurt, you're only meant to pussyfoot around
Crouching Tigger, hidden dragon
He whispered; "*** it; let her have the tomatoes" and we pussyfooted away to have a nightcap and a lot of laughs.
Tomato guards
Since we've been together, he and his family have pussyfooted around her because they're so afraid of upsetting her.
Just married but his ex is coming between us
"I have pussyfooted around with some of them because they are here and you need to get the best out of them.
Redknapp aims to change QPR outlook