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hand-wringing

British  

noun

  1. informal an extended debate over the correct course of action in a situation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

There was plenty of hand-wringing in Washington after the collapse of recent U.S.-Canada trade negotiations.

From MarketWatch Aug. 31, 2026

Mr. St. George tells us that “the hand-wringing from across the globe” has resulted in a boycott against his work.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 28, 2026

There is still plenty of hand-wringing about how much new nuclear development the world can realistically expect, given the sector’s history of cost overruns.

From Barron's Jun. 5, 2026

That said, the confusion is understandable, given the amount of hand-wringing over dating recessions and falling birth rates we regularly hear about.

From Salon Jun. 3, 2026

I could hear his hand-wringing through the long echo of the telephone.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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