| English Dictionary |
WILLY-NILLY
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Dictionary entry overview: What does willy-nilly mean?
• WILLY-NILLY (adverb)
The adverb WILLY-NILLY has 2 senses:
1. in a random manner
2. without having a choice
Familiarity information: WILLY-NILLY used as an adverb is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
In a random manner
Synonyms:
arbitrarily; at random; every which way; haphazardly; indiscriminately; randomly; willy-nilly
Context example:
bullets were fired into the crowd at random
Sense 2
Meaning:
Without having a choice
Context examples
At such moments he even closed his eyes and allowed his body to be hurled hither and thither, willy-nilly, careless of any hurt that might thereby come to it.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
They are too many, and willy-nilly they'll drag down the would-be equestrian before ever he gets astride.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
There is no need of going into an extended recital of our suffering in the small boat during the many days we were driven and drifted, here and there, willy-nilly, across the ocean.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Walk beside me that we may be as one." (Native American proverb, Ute)
"If there's no choice but advice, ask for the decisiveness of an advisor or the advice of a decisive person." (Arabic proverb)
"When the cat is not home, the mice dance on the table." (Dutch proverb)