hem and haw

idiom

chiefly US, informal
1
: to stop often and change what one is saying during speech because one is not sure of what to say or because one is trying to avoid saying something
The question surprised her and she hemmed and hawed a bit before answering.
2
: to take a long time before making a decision about what to do
The city council hemmed and hawed for a year before deciding to build the new school.

Examples of hem and haw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conversely, other automakers like Ford, Volkswagen and Toyota have hemmed and hawed, going from one technology to another. Delays and resets abound:Rating the world's top automakers' EV programs What makes GM's EVs so good? Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 2024 Brian’s Proposal Party After hemming and hawing over proposing to his boyfriend Charlie (Devin Kawaoka), Brian finally works up the nerve to do so and buys a ring. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2024

Dictionary Entries Near hem and haw

Cite this Entry

“Hem and haw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hem%20and%20haw. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hem and haw

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!