Crossword Genius

Give up tackling problem? Hum and haw (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vacillate

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'hum and haw' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'give up tackling problem?' is the wordplay.
'give up' becomes 'vacate' (synonyms).
'tackling' is an insertion indicator (to tackle is to take possession of).
'problem?' becomes 'ill' (as in the ills of society).
'vacate' going around 'ill' is 'VACILLATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vacillate that I've seen before include "indecisive" , "Sway to and fro" , "Be unsteady" , "Shilly-shally" , "Be in two minds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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