hemming and hawing

hemming and hawing
Haw Haw, v. i. To stop, in speaking, with a sound like haw; to speak with interruption and hesitation. [1913 Webster]

Cut it short; don't prose -- don't hum and haw. --Chesterfield. [1913 Webster]

{hemming and hawing} speaking hesitantly and inarticulately, with numerous pauses and interjections. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Haw — Haw, v. i. To stop, in speaking, with a sound like haw; to speak with interruption and hesitation. [1913 Webster] Cut it short; don t prose don t hum and haw. Chesterfield. [1913 Webster] {hemming and hawing} speaking hesitantly and… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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