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hem and haw

 - 4 dictionary results

hem

2  [hem] interjection, noun, verb, hemmed, hem⋅ming.
Use hem and haw in a Sentence
–interjection
1. (an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)
–noun
2. the utterance or sound of “hem.”
3. a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.
–verb (used without object)
4. to utter the sound “hem.”
5. to hesitate in speaking.
—Idiom
6. hem and haw,
a. to hesitate or falter: She hemmed and hawed a lot before she came to the point.
b. to speak noncommittally; avoid giving a direct answer: He hems and haws and comes out on both sides of every question.
Origin:
1520–30; imit.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To hem and haw
hem 2   (hěm)   
n.  A short cough or clearing of the throat made especially to gain attention, warn another, hide embarrassment, or fill a pause in speech.
intr.v.   hemmed, hem·ming, hems

  1. To utter a hem.

  2. To hesitate in speech.


[From Middle English heminge, coughing, of imitative origin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

hem  (interj.)
1470, probably imitative of the sound of clearing the throat. Hem and haw first recorded 1786, from haw "hesitation," first recorded 1632.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

hem and haw

Be hesitant and indecisive; avoid committing oneself, as in When asked about their wedding date, she hemmed and hawed, or The President hemmed and hawed about new Cabinet appointments. This expression imitates the sounds of clearing one's throat. [Late 1700s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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