hedge

hedge¹ [hedʒ] n

[: Old English; Origin: hecg]

1.) a row of small bushes or trees growing close together, usually dividing one field or garden from another

2.) something that protects you against possible problems, especially financial loss

hedge against

▪ Buying a house will be a hedge against inflation.

→look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards at ↑drag¹ (13)

hedge ²

hedge² past tense and past participle hedged present participle hedging

v [I and T]

1.) to avoid giving a direct answer to a question

▪ You're hedging again - have you got the money or haven't you?

▪ 'That depends on my partner,' she hedged.

2.) hedge your bets

to reduce your chances of failure or loss by trying several different possibilities instead of one

▪ It's a good idea to hedge your bets by applying to more than one college.

hedge against [hedge against sth] phr v

to try to protect yourself against possible problems, especially financial loss

▪ Smart managers will hedge against price increases.

be hedged in phr v

1.) to be surrounded or enclosed by something

▪ The building was hedged in by trees.

2.) if you feel hedged in by something, you feel that your freedom is restricted by it