hem and haw

Etymology
+ and +

Verb

 * 1)  To discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind.
 * 2) To mumble and procrastinate in one's speech, especially with a reply to a hard question or with voicing a decision on a topical matter; to evade a question, giving vague answers; to equivocate or temporize.
 * 3) * 1903, The People of the Abyss, by Jack London, Chapter 1
 * The man at the Chief Office hemmed and hawed. 'We make it a rule,' he explained, 'to give no information concerning our clients.' 'But in this case,' I urged, 'it is the client who requests you to give the information concerning himself.' Again he hemmed and hawed.
 * 1) * 1903, The People of the Abyss, by Jack London, Chapter 1
 * The man at the Chief Office hemmed and hawed. 'We make it a rule,' he explained, 'to give no information concerning our clients.' 'But in this case,' I urged, 'it is the client who requests you to give the information concerning himself.' Again he hemmed and hawed.

Translations

 * Finnish: soutaa ja huovata,