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[hem and haw]
{v. phr.} 1. To pause or hesitate while speaking,often with little throat
noises.
The man was a poor lecturerbecause he hemmed and hawed too much.
2.
To avoid giving a clearanswer; be evasive in speech.
The principal asked Bob
why he waslate to school, and Bob only hemmed and hawed.
Compare: BEAT
AROUNDTHE BUSH.
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