Phrase guide

hem and haw

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic

Examples

  • If you hem and haw long enough, someone else will do it first.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 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.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hacker

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

utter `hems' and `haws'; indicated hesitation

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He hemmed and hawed when asked to address the crowd

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: hesitate, pause

History

Etymology

hem + and + haw

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: váhat — to contemplate rather than taking action
  • Finnish: soutaa ja huovata — to contemplate rather than taking action
  • Finnish: jahkailla — to contemplate rather than taking action
  • German: zögern und zaudern — to contemplate rather than taking action
  • Polish: wahać się — to contemplate rather than taking action
  • Russian: колебаться (kolebatʹsja) — to contemplate rather than taking action
  • Czech: nemoci se vymáčknout — to mumble and procrastinate in speech
  • Polish: szukać słów — to mumble and procrastinate in speech
  • Russian: мямлить (mjamlitʹ) — to mumble and procrastinate in speech