haw (redirected from haws)

hum and haw (mainly British, American & Australian)

to take a long time to say something and speak in a way that is not clear, in order to avoid giving an answer. He hemmed and hawed and finally admitted taking the money.

See also: hum

humming and hawing (mainly British, American & Australian)

hum and haw - to take a long time to say something and speak in a way that is not clear, in order to avoid giving an answer. After much hemming and hawing and throat-clearing, she announced that she was leaving.

See also: hum

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hem and haw

to pause a lot and avoid saying something directly. When asked what kind of woman he was looking for, he hemmed and hawed and finally admitted he was looking for a party girl.

See also: hem