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hem and haw vs hum and haw

Both "hem and haw" and "hum and haw" are correct phrases, but "hem and haw" is the more commonly used version. They both mean to hesitate or speak evasively.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 339 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"hem and haw"

This phrase means to hesitate or speak evasively. It is often used to describe someone who is avoiding giving a direct answer.

Examples:

  • Stop hemming and hawing and just tell me the truth.
  • She hemmed and hawed before finally admitting her mistake.
  • 3 days ago ... hem and haw definition: 1. to be uncertain and take a long time deciding something: 2. to be uncertain and take a long…. Learn more.
  • VerbEdit · hem and haw (third-person singular simple present hems and haws, present participle hemming and hawing, simple past and past participle hemmed ...
  • hem and haw meaning: 1. to be uncertain and take a long time deciding something: 2. to be uncertain and take a long…. Learn more.
  • Hem and haw is also used to mean to be indecisive. Related phrases are hems and haws, hemmed and hawed, hemming and hawing. The term hem and haw first appeared ...
  • Hum and haw hem and haw definition: If you hem and haw , or in British English hum and haw , you take a long time to say... | Meaning, pronunciation ...
  • Dec 9, 2000 ... Q From T Foxe: I was wondering about the expression hem and haw? Has it anything to do with teamstering? I ask because of the horse team ...

Alternatives:

  • hesitate
  • dilly-dally
  • beat around the bush
  • equivocate
  • prevaricate

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"hum and haw"

This phrase also means to hesitate or speak evasively, similar to "hem and haw." It is a variation of the more common "hem and haw".

Examples:

  • He hummed and hawed for a while before making a decision.
  • Don't hum and haw, just give me a straight answer.
  • hum and haw (third-person singular simple present hums and haws, present participle humming and hawing, simple past and past participle hummed and hawed).
  • 3 days ago ... hum and haw definition: 1. to be uncertain and take a long time deciding something: 2. to be uncertain and take a long…. Learn more.
  • Hum and haw hem and haw definition: If you hem and haw , or in British English hum and haw , you take a long time to say... | Meaning, pronunciation ...
  • hum and haw meaning: 1. to be uncertain and take a long time deciding something: 2. to be uncertain and take a long…. Learn more.
  • Definition of hum and haw in the Idioms Dictionary. hum and haw phrase. What does hum and haw expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary.
  • synonyms for hem and haw · back and fill · beat around the bush · beg the question · dance around · equivocate · euphemize · fudge and mudge · hum and haw ...

Alternatives:

  • hesitate
  • dilly-dally
  • beat around the bush
  • equivocate
  • prevaricate

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