APAD: wishy washy

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.