hedge

a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change

an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement

• “when you say”
• “you are just hedging”

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

• “He dodged the issue”
• “she skirted the problem”
• “They tend to evade their responsibilities”
• “he evaded the questions skillfully”

hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge

• “The animals were hedged in”

enclose or bound in with or as it with a hedge or hedges

• “hedge the property”

minimize loss or risk

• “diversify your financial portfolio to hedge price risks”
• “hedge your bets”