Um and ah In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "um and ah", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Zesty Y calendar 2022-04-04 10:04

Meaning of Um and ah

Synonyms:

um and aah , ˌhum/ˌhem and ˈhaw

Um and ah verb phrase

Used when one hesitates or does not know what to say next

He kept umming and ahing during his presentation.

He ummed and ahed to speak his mind.

Other phrases about:

wishy-washy

Used to disapprove of someone or something because their ideas, colour, flavor, and character ect. are not firm or clear enough

vacillate between

1. To uncertainly decide to choose between two different people or things
2. To vary between two different conditions or cases

Grammar and Usage of Um and ah

Verb Forms

  • ummed and ahhed
  • ums and ahs
  • umming and ahhing

Origin of Um and ah

This phrase is formed based on that fact that "Um" and "ah" are frequent filler words that people use out of habit or when they don't know what to say.

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .
error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

Example:

Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode