wishy washy
Lacking firm conviction
Wishy-washy describes someone or something lacking firmness, decisiveness, or strength of character.
A wishy-washy person can't commit to a position: He gave a wishy-washy answer when asked about his plans.
Wishy-washy opinions are vague and noncommittal.
The term is mildly contemptuous, suggesting weakness or evasiveness where conviction is expected.
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
- on the fenceNot yet committed
- vagueUnclear, ill-defined
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
- fence-sittingRefusing to take sides
neither here nor there · wavering · blowing hot and cold · spineless · lukewarm · half-hearted · feeble · watered-down · milquetoast · namby-pamby · weak-kneed · mealy-mouthed · flip-flopping · uncommitted · tentative · timid · ambivalent · middle of the road
- rhyming reduplicativesflip flop, hip hop, tip top, zigzag, ping pong
- avoidanceavoidance, distancing, evasion, dodging, pulling away
wishy washydecisive
Quick to conclude
resolute · determined · unwavering · firm · steadfast
wishy washybold
Courageous and daring
strong-willed · forceful · assertive · gutsy · ballsy
wishy washydirect
Undeviating or to guide
forthright · blunt · plain-spoken · unambiguous · clear-cut
wish, wash, wishes, wished, wishing, wisher, wishful, wishfully, washes