hem and haw

Verb

Meaning

utter `hems' and `haws'; indicated hesitation

Source: WordNet

Synonyms

dodge weasel hesitate fluctuate dilly-dally equivocate temporize beat around the bush think twice pussyfoot hang back

Hypernyms

pause hesitate

Examples

He hemmed and hawed when asked to address the crowd Source: Internet

He complained Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa would 'hem and haw about this or that problem he had with the bill without telling us what exactly it would take to get him to yes.' Source: Internet

They’ll hem and haw and say stuff like, “It might be possible, but it would be very difficult” or “I know how you feel. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

Helzer hem hem and hah hem in hem up hem-