Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hem-and-haw
idiom
/hɛm ənd hɔ/
Definition
To hesitate or be indecisive, often when speaking or making a decision.
Examples
- When asked about his plan, he started to hem-and-haw instead of giving a straightforward answer.
- Stop hemming and hawing and just tell us what you want!
Meaning
The phrase ‘hem-and-haw’ describes someone who is unsure or falters while trying to express themselves, often filled with pauses and uncertainty.
Synonyms
- hesitate
- waffle
- falter
- dither
