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Definition of Hem and haw
1. Verb. Utter 'hems' and 'haws'; indicated hesitation. "They hem and haw a long time"; "He hemmed and hawed when asked to address the crowd"
Definition of Hem and haw
1. Verb. (idiomatic) (US) To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Hem And Haw
Literary usage of Hem and haw
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Modern American Poetry by Louis Untermeyer (1921)
"hem and haw Hem and Haw were the sons of sin, Created to shally and shirk; Hem
lay 'round ... Hem and Haw."
2. Modern American Poetry by Louis Untermeyer (1921)
"hem and haw Hem and Haw were the sons of sin, Created to shally and shirk; Hem
lay 'round and Haw looked on While God did all the work. Hem was a fogy, ..."
3. A Satire Anthology by Carolyn Wells (1905)
"hem and haw HEM and Haw were the sons of sin, Created to shally and shirk; Hem
lay 'round, and Haw looked on, While God did all the work. Hem was a fogy, ..."
4. Modern American Poetry: An Introduction by Louis Untermeyer (1919)
"Now living at New Canaan, Ct.] hem and haw Hem and Haw were the sons of sin,
Created to shally and shirk; Hem lay 'round and Haw looked on While God did all ..."
5. Poets of the Younger Generation by William Archer (1902)
"hem and haw Hem and Haw were the sons of sin, Created to shally and shirk; Hem
lay 'round and Haw looked on While God did all the work. ..."