Hem and haw
verb
To hesitate or be indecisive when speaking or making a decision.
When asked about his plans for the future, he just hemmed and hawed.
Often appears as...
- hem and haw over
- hem and haw about
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To speak or act in a way that shows you are not sure and are postponing decision.
She hemmed and hawed for a while, but finally she agreed.
Often appears as...
- hem and haw before
- hem and haw for a while
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To hesitate or be indecisive when speaking or making a decision.
When asked about his plans for the future, he just hemmed and hawed.
Often appears as...
- hem and haw over
- hem and haw about
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To speak or act in a way that shows you are not sure and are postponing decision.
She hemmed and hawed for a while, but finally she agreed.
Often appears as...
- hem and haw before
- hem and haw for a while
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Conversational Use
Mostly used in casual, informal conversations to show uncertainty or delay.
When choosing a dessert, she hemmed and hawed between cake and pie.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
It often implies frustration when someone can't make a decision promptly.
The team hemmed and hawed, irritating the client who needed a quick answer.
Pro Tip 3/3Indecision
Used to highlight someone's struggle to make a choice or take a stance.
He hemmed and hawed over the menu, unable to decide what to order.
Pro Tip 1/3Conversational Use
Mostly used in casual, informal conversations to show uncertainty or delay.
When choosing a dessert, she hemmed and hawed between cake and pie.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
It often implies frustration when someone can't make a decision promptly.
The team hemmed and hawed, irritating the client who needed a quick answer.
Pro Tip 3/3Indecision
Used to highlight someone's struggle to make a choice or take a stance.
He hemmed and hawed over the menu, unable to decide what to order.
Pro Tip 1/3Conversational Use
Mostly used in casual, informal conversations to show uncertainty or delay.
When choosing a dessert, she hemmed and hawed between cake and pie.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
It often implies frustration when someone can't make a decision promptly.
The team hemmed and hawed, irritating the client who needed a quick answer.
Pro Tip 3/3Indecision
Used to highlight someone's struggle to make a choice or take a stance.
He hemmed and hawed over the menu, unable to decide what to order.
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