bush

beat around the bush and beat about the bush

Fig. to avoid answering a question; to stall; to waste time. Stop beating around the bush and answer my question. Let's stop beating about the bush and discuss this matter.

See also: around, beat

bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Prov. Having something for certain is better than the possibility of getting something better. I might get a better offer, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Bill has offered to buy my car for $3,000 cash. Someone else might pay more, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

See also: bird, hand, two, worth

bush out

[for a plant, bush, beard, head of hair] to develop many small branches or hairs. His beard bushed out and really needed trimming. I hope the hedge bushes out nicely this year.

See also: out

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beat about/around the bush

to avoid talking about a difficult or embarrassing subject because you are worried about upsetting the person you are talking to (usually negative) Don't beat around the bush. Just tell me where my brother is. There is no point in beating about the bush. I'm leaving you.

See also: beat

beat the bushes  (American)

to try very hard to get or achieve something She's not out there beating the bushes for a job - she's just as happy not working.

See also: beat

bush league  (American informal)

not done to the usual or accepted standards His article was a bush league stunt to discredit the company, and he has apologized.

See also: league

the bush telegraph  (British & Australian)

the way in which people quickly pass important information to other people, especially by talking News of the redundancies spread immediately on the bush telegraph.

See beat about the bush

See also: telegraph

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beat around the bush

to avoid talking about what is important Quit beating around the bush and tell me what you really think about my idea.

See also: around, beat

beat the bushes

to search everywhere for someone or something We don't have to beat the bushes to get good photographs - they mostly come to us from photographers we know.

Etymology: based on the practice in hunting of having someone hit bushes with a stick in order to force birds hiding in them to fly up into the air to be shot

See also: beat