ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hem and haw

idiom
Meaning

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

Origin

disputed origin

hem + and + haw

Examples
SIMPLE

Stop hemming and hawing and just make a decision.

CONTEXTUAL

When the boss asked for a clear answer, the manager just hemmed and hawed for ten minutes.

COMPLEX

Rather than committing to the new strategy, the board members hemmed and hawed, clearly hoping to avoid the responsibility of a difficult choice.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    hum and haw

    To procrastinate; to take a long time before doing something or taking a decision.

  2. 02

    touch the hem of someone's garment

    To give respect or reverence to someone; to express servitude to someone; to draw strength or comfort from someone who is superior.

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