hem and haw

Definition

To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind.

Etymology

hem + and + haw

Example Sentences

• "If you hem and haw long enough, someone else will do it first."
• "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."
• "These New Yawk publishers hem and haw and say like well we’d LOVE to publish yer great friends but would it sell and I’m overloaded and this and that — everything but that they really don’t want to publish the writing; […]"

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