hum and haw
verb
Roget 583:
stammer,
stutter,
hesitate,
falter,
hammer;
balbutiate†,
balbucinate†,
haw,
hum and haw,
be unable to put two words together.
mumble,
mutter;
maud†,
mauder†;
whisper
etc.
405;
mince,
lisp;
jabber,
gibber;
sputter,
splutter;
muffle,
mump†;
drawl,
mouth;
croak;
speak thick,
speak through the nose;
snuffle,
clip one's words;
murder the language,
murder the King's English,
murder the Queen's English;
mispronounce,
missay†.
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Roget 605:
be irresolute
etc.
adj.;
hang in suspense,
keep in suspense;
leave "ad referendum";
think twice about,
pause;
dawdle
etc.
(inactivity)
683;
remain neuter;
dillydally,
hesitate,
boggle,
hover,
dacker†,
hum and haw,
demur,
not know one's own mind;
debate,
balance;
dally with,
coquet with;
will and will not,
chaser-balancer†;
go halfway,
compromise,
make a compromise;
be thrown off one's balance,
stagger like a drunken man;
be afraid
etc.
860;
let 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would'"
[Macbeth];
falter,
waver vacillate
etc.
149;
change
etc.
140;
retract
etc.
607;
fluctuate;
pendulate†;
alternate
etc.
(oscillate)
314;
keep off and on,
play fast and loose;
blow hot and cold
etc.
(caprice)
608.
shuffle,
palter,
blink;
trim.
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