hedge about
To add so many 'ifs' and 'buts' to something that the real meaning gets lost.
Meanings
To surround something with excessive conditions, restrictions, or qualifications, making it unclear or heavily limited.
"The new policy is hedged about with so many restrictions that it will be almost impossible to implement."
To avoid committing to a clear statement or position by surrounding it with qualifications.
"When asked about the merger, the CEO hedged about the topic and refused to give a direct answer."
Formal and somewhat literary. Often used in the passive: 'the proposal was hedged about with conditions.' The image comes from surrounding something with a hedge — a thick barrier. Used in legal, political, and academic contexts where excessive qualification weakens a statement or proposal. Also encountered as 'hedged about with.'
Commonly used with
Forms
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