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dilly

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a real dilly

Something or someone remarkable, excellent, or very entertaining. "Dilly," an American term from the early 1900s, possibly comes from the first syllable of the word "delightful" or "delicious." Primarily heard in US. I tell you, she's a real dilly. Out at 6 a.m. for a run, getting the kids off to school at 7, then out to manage the firm at 8. That film last night was a real dilly, I couldn't stop thinking about it all night.

See also: dilly, real

dilly-dally (around) with someone or something

to waste time frivolously with someone or something. Stop dilly dallying around with your friends. He is always dilly-dallying around with his work.

dilly

n. something excellent. This little car is a real dilly.

What’s the dilly?

interrog. What’s going on?; What’s the deal? (Dilly is a pronunciation of dealy.) Who’s shouting? What’s the dilly?