hem and haw
The phrase "hem and haw" is an American idiom that describes hesitation or evasiveness, often in speech.
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Definition
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To be hesitant or indecisive, often speaking vaguely to avoid making a decision.
Example
- He kept hemming and hawing, and I couldn't get a straight answer from him.
- The politician was accused of hemming and hawing on the issue, rather than taking a clear stance.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hem and haw":