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Hem and haw

verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind. US, idiomatic

    "If you hem and haw long enough, someone else will do it first."

  2. 2
    utter ‘hems’ and ‘haws’; indicated hesitation wordnet
  3. 3
    To mumble and procrastinate in one's speech, especially with a reply to a hard question or with voicing a decision on a topical matter; to evade a question, giving vague answers; to equivocate or temporize.

    "The man at the Chief Office hemmed and hawed. 'We make it a rule,' he explained, 'to give no information concerning our clients.' 'But in this case,' I urged, 'it is the client who requests you to give the information concerning himself.' Again he hemmed and hawed."

Etymology

hem + and + haw

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