hem and haw

[hem and haw] {v. phr.}

1. To pause or hesitate while speaking, often with little throat noises.

/The man was a poor lecturer because he hemmed and hawed too much./

2. To avoid giving a clear answer; be evasive in speech.

/The principal asked Bob why he was late to school, and Bob only hemmed and hawed./

Compare: BEAT AROUND THE BUSH.

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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