mutter and mumble; falter out a few words; forbear from making a full explanation, complete disclosure or free expression of one's mind; hem and haw; hesitate in speech [speaking]; mince one's words; speak a word and swallow the next word; speak falteringly; speak in a halting way; speak with great reserve; speak with timorous caution; stumble over one's words; talk in ambiguous term; tell falteringly; tick over; trying to hide sth. while speaking