Definition

Verb: - To hesitate or be indecisive in speech; to pause and speak in a vague, non-committal way, often making sounds like "hem" and "haw" while searching for the right words or avoiding a direct answer.

Usage

This verb is used to describe someone who is stalling for time or is unable to give a clear, immediate response, typically due to uncertainty, embarrassment, or a desire to avoid commitment. It often implies a degree of awkwardness or evasiveness.

Examples

• When asked about his future plans, he could only hem and haw.
• The politician hemmed and hawed during the interview instead of giving a straight answer.
• Don't just hem and haw; tell me clearly if you can come to the party or not.

Advanced Usage

• To hem and haw over something: To hesitate or be indecisive about a specific thing.
  • She hemmed and hawed over the decision for weeks before finally choosing a university.

Variants and Related Words

• Hesitate (verb): To pause before saying or doing something, often due to uncertainty or nervousness. (A more general synonym.)
• Falter (verb): To speak in a hesitant or unsteady voice.
• Vacillate (verb): To alternate between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive. (This is a more formal term and often refers to longer periods of indecision.)

Synonyms

• Dither
• Waffle (informal)
• Equivocate
• Beat around the bush

Related Phrases

• Beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important; to approach a subject in a roundabout way.
  • Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.

Related Idioms

• On the fence: Undecided between two opinions or courses of action.
  • He's still on the fence about which job offer to accept. (This describes the state of indecision, while "hem and haw" describes the verbal manifestation of it.)

Verb

1. utter `hems' and `haws'; indicated hesitation
   • He hemmed and hawed when asked to address the crowd