hem and haw

Meaning: To hesitate to say something directly.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The expression probably originates from the sounds one might make when clearing one's throat and trying to introduce a delicate subject.

More idioms — Daily Life

• hit pay dirt — To find something of great value.
• hit the jackpot — To get rich or find something of value.
• hit the sack — To go to bed.
• hit the spot — To satisfy in just the right way.
• hitch a ride — To solicit a ride in someone's (a stranger's) car; to hitchhike.
• not hold a candle to someone — Not equal to someone or something; when two persons or things are compared, the first one…

More English idioms

• hit or miss — Unplanned or random; equally likely to succeed or fail.
• hold one's horses — To stay calm or be patient when someone wants to hurry.
• hold one's own — To be able to withstand opposition or attack; to do just as well as other people.
• hold someone or something at bay — To prevent someone or something that is threatening or attacking from being able to advan…
• hold the fort — To take care of a place or to keep an activity going while someone is away.
• fall for something hook, line, and sinker — To believe something completely, usually in the sense of being fooled.

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