Word of the Day. "Hem & Haw"

Hem & Haw

Synonyms: dither, waver, vacillate, equivocate, procrastinate, etc.

"Hem and haw" refers to the act of hesitating or indecisiveness, often accompanied by repetitive or meaningless speech. It signifies the reluctance to make a decision or take action, usually due to uncertainty or fear of making the wrong choice.

Example Sentences:

1. Sarah hemmed and hawed before finally deciding on which movie to watch.
2. Instead of providing a clear answer, the politician hemmed and hawed during the interview.
3. John hemmed and hawed about whether to accept the job offer or wait for a better opportunity.
4. The team leader hemmed and hawed before announcing the new project's timeline.
5. Rather than hem and haw, it's better to make a decision and stick with it, even if it's not perfect.

Understanding the meaning of "hem and haw" can help in recognizing moments of hesitation and encourage assertiveness in decision-making.

April, 2024

Posted by Oxford Language Club

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