Definition
indecisive and uncertain, lacking firmness or conviction
Examples
1) The maid did a washy washy job of mopping the floor.
2) The politician gave a wishy-washy answer to the question, attempting to
avoid taking a clear stance on the issue.
Etymology
Both terms, "wish" and "wash," lack firmness or strength.
Synonyms
wavering, insipid, uncommitted
- englishdaily626.com [edited]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Idealists can be wishy-washy when obsessed with optimization. I recently tried
to fix a toilet fill valve. The widget seemed blocked somewhere inside as water
only trickled out after flushing and it took a long time to fill the tank. I
poured vinegar and baking soda onto it hoping they'd wear down whatever clog
over time, like drinking lemon water to treat kidney stones. I had doubts
but had it worked, I wouldn't have to buy a new set--an optimal and genius
solution. Most importantly, it'd show my wife, who sneered at the idea from the
beginning, who was right!
For the next month, the toilet defied my hope and on and off effort. Then one
day, my boy came back from college and replaced the valve in 30min including a
20min trip to Walmart.
