hem and haw

== English == === Alternative forms === hem and hah (dated) === Etymology === hem + and + haw === Pronunciation === === Verb === hem and haw (third-person singular simple present hems and haws, present participle hemming and hawing, simple past and past participle hemmed and hawed) (idiomatic, US) To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind. 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. Synonym: (chiefly Britain, dialectal, archaic) hacker 1903, The People of the Abyss, by Jack London, Chapter 1 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. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ====