To surround something with so many conditions, qualifications, or restrictions that it becomes unclear or overly limited.
To add so many 'ifs' and 'buts' to something that the real meaning gets lost.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
To surround something with hedges (barriers) on all sides.
To add so many 'ifs' and 'buts' to something that the real meaning gets lost.
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.'
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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