English · Greetings & Phrases
beat around the bush
/biːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/
[/biːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/]
avoid the main point
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To avoid talking about something directly or to delay getting to the point.
Example
Stop beating around the bush and just tell me whether I got the job or not.
Stop beating around the bush and just tell me whether I got the job or not.
Etymology
From medieval hunting, where beaters struck bushes to flush out game rather than catching it directly.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for criticising someone who avoids saying something plainly.