pussyfoot

Definitions

To act in a cautious, timid, or noncommittal way.

To move stealthily or tread quietly.

Examples

Stop pussyfooting around the issue and tell me exactly what you think.

The manager pussyfooted for weeks before finally announcing the budget cuts.

Synonyms

hedge equivocate beat around the bush vacillate dither tread carefully skirt the issue

Antonyms

confront act decisively speak directly plunge in take a firm stand be forthright face head on