hem and haw

Meaning

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

Synonyms

stutter

hum and haw

hedge

mumble

stammer

stumble

vacillate

hesitate to say

evade

hum and ha

falter

Translations

herumdrucksen

murmeln

nicht mit der Sprache herauswollen

stammeln

marmonner

hésiter à dire

Etymology

hem + and + haw