| defer(verb, delay, pause, hesitate, falter) |
| delay(noun, verb, pause, defer, hesitate) |
| dither(verb, pause, hesitate, ponder, stumble) |
| envelop(verb, open, surround) |
| environ(verb, open, circle, ring, surround) |
| guard against(expression, hold, maintain, oppose, secure) |
| jive(verb, avoid, shift, escape, lie) |
| mew(verb, secure, restrict, circle, ring) |
| nitpick(verb, equivocate) |
| obstruct(verb, protect, hindrance, ring, enclose) |
| oppose(verb, hold, maintain, secure, resist) |
| protect(verb, hold, cover, keep, maintain) |
| qualify |
| shift(verb, move, stop, cut, decline) |
| shilly-shally(verb, avoid, dodge, hesitate, evade) |
| strike a balance |
| swerve(verb, move, stop, cut, avoid) |
| thicket(noun, plant, shelter, border, obstacle) |
| ward off(expression, hold, maintain, oppose, secure) |
| yield |