Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb idiomatic (US) To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind.
  • verb 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.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • verb utter `hems' and `haws'; indicated hesitation

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

hem + and + haw

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Examples

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Comments

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  • to avoid giving a direct answer

    July 21, 2007