pussyfooted
Moved overly carefully
Pussyfooted means moved cautiously or avoided committing to a position.
Like a cat stepping delicately, someone who pussyfooted around an issue approached it with excessive timidity: He pussyfooted around the budget question instead of giving a straight answer.
The word often carries disapproval—implying someone should have been more direct.
Walked on foot-ends quietly
- hedgedAvoided definite commitment
- sidesteppedAvoided by moving aside
- waffledSpoke evasively, indecisively
- equivocatedSpoke ambiguously on purpose
danced around · skirted · dodged · evaded · avoided · circumvented · dithered · hesitated
tiptoed
Walked on foot-ends quietly
- hedgedAvoided definite commitment
- sidesteppedAvoided by moving aside
- waffledSpoke evasively, indecisively
equivocated · danced around · skirted · dodged · evaded · avoided · circumvented · dithered · hesitated · vacillated
crept
Moved slowly, furtively
slunk · inched · edged · sidled · prowled · stole · glided · light-footed · catlike · delicate
pussyfooteddirect
Undeviating or to guide
forthright · blunt · straightforward · decisive · plain-spoken
pussyfootedbold
Courageous and daring
fearless · daring · brave · audacious · courageous
pussyfooteddecisive
Quick to conclude
resolute · committed · unwavering · unhesitating · firm