hem
2
[ hem ]
/ hɛm /
interjection
(an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)
noun
the utterance or sound of “hem.”
a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.
verb (used without object), hemmed, hem·ming.
to utter the sound “hem.”
to hesitate in speaking.
Idioms for hem
- to hesitate or falter: She hemmed and hawed a lot before she came to the point.
- to speak noncommittally; avoid giving a direct answer: He hems and haws and comes out on both sides of every question.
hem and haw,
Origin of hem
2
First recorded in 1520–30; imitative
Words nearby hem
helvetia,
helvetian,
helvetic,
helvetii,
helvétius,
hem,
hem and haw,
hem in,
hem-,
hema-,
hemacytometer
British Dictionary definitions for hem and haw (1 of 2)
hem
1
/ (hɛm) /
noun
an edge to a piece of cloth, made by folding the raw edge under and stitching it down
short for hemline
verb hems, hemming or hemmed (tr)
to provide with a hem
(usually foll by in, around, or about)
to enclose or confine
Word Origin for hem
Old English
hemm; related to Old Frisian
hemme enclosed land
British Dictionary definitions for hem and haw (2 of 2)
hem
2
/ (hɛm) /
noun, interjection
a representation of the sound of clearing the throat, used to gain attention, express hesitation, etc
verb hems, hemming or hemmed
(intr)
to utter this sound
hem and haw or hum and haw
to hesitate in speaking or in making a decision
Idioms and Phrases with hem and haw
hem and haw
Be hesitant and indecisive; avoid committing oneself, as in When asked about their wedding date, she hemmed and hawed, or The President hemmed and hawed about new Cabinet appointments. This expression imitates the sounds of clearing one's throat. [Late 1700s]