Hesitating

/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪtɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to pause before saying or doing something, often due to uncertainty or indecision.

She stood at the door, hesitating before she knocked.

to be hesitant; to show indecision.

He was hesitating about accepting the job offer.

to falter in action or speech.

The student hesitated before answering the teacher's question.

to slow down or delay in making a decision.

They were hesitating to invest in the new venture.

From the verb 'hesitate', which originates from the Latin 'haesitare', meaning 'to stick' or 'to pause'.

better safe than sorry

It's better to be cautious than to take risks that could lead to regret.

on the fence

Undecided or in a state of indecision.

sit on the sidelines

To remain uninvolved or undecided in a situation.

playing it safe

Choosing to avoid risks.

hesitation

The act of pausing before making a decision.

hesitant

Being slow to act or decide due to uncertainty.

Chicken out

He was ready to ask her out, but then he chickened out.

Beat around the bush

Stop beating around the bush and just tell me your answer.