dally

/ˈda-lē/

Middle English dalyen, from Anglo-French dalier

verb

  1. to act playfully; especially : to play amorously

  2. to deal lightly : toy

  3. to waste time

accused him of dallying with a serious problem

trifle toy dally flirt coquet mean to deal with or act toward without serious purpose. trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt. toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

phrasal verb

  1. to do or think about (something) in a way that is not serious

  2. to have a casual romantic or sexual relationship with (someone)

He's been dallying with the idea of running for office.