like one o'clock half struck

English edit

(informal) In a state of indecision or hesitancy.
- 2003, Roy Cranley, Chip Chop Cherry, page 218:
  He stood for a few seconds like one o'clock half struck, then gave her a stupid grin, gulped awkwardly and walked away, face burning and tears of rage threatening to burst forth at any moment.
- 2013, Ian Thornton, The Great & Calamitous Tale of Johan Thoms, page 217:
  Johan hesitated like one o'clock half struck, mumbled, and slurred to himself: […]