ни шьет ни порет

• НИ ШЬЕТ НИ ПОРЕТ coll, often disapprov

[VP; subj: human; 3rd or 2nd pers, pres only; fixed WO]

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⇒ one takes no definite action on sth., refrains from a definite decision etc:

- X ни шьёт ни порет{{}}≈ X is sitting on it;

- X is dragging his feet;

- X (still) hasn't moved on it;

- [in limited contexts] X is just sitting there twiddling his thumbs.

     ♦ Мы ему много раз говорили, что пора подавать документы в университет, а он ни шьёт ни порет. We've told him over and over again that it's time to send in his college application, but he's dragging his feet.

     ♦ "Мама, ты чего ни шьёшь ни порешь? - начала, не мешкая, распоряжаться Лизка. - Самовар будем греть или баню затоплять?" (Абрамов 1). "Mama, why are you just sitting there twiddling your thumbs?" asked Lizka, promptly taking control. "Aren't we going to heat up the samovar or get the bathhouse going?" (1a).