hum and haw

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You can’t constantly hum and haw your chances or you’ll just never get out of that paralysis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2021

"Oh, when a friend's at stake, I can't hum and haw," said Madeleine, who could never keep her temper with Dove for long.

From Maurice Guest by Richardson, Henry Handel

Come now, my friend," was Lord Chesterfield's morning adjuration to his author;" come now, cut it short—don't prose—don't hum and haw.

From Biographical Essays by De Quincey, Thomas

Ley began to hum and haw and look uncomfortable.

From Will Weatherhelm The Yarn of an Old Sailor by Webb, Archibald

It had hit its mark, I knew, for the King began to hum and haw, and Diane gave me a look from those blue-black eyes of hers.

From Orrain A Romance by Levett-Yeats, S.