beat around the bush


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Related to beat around the bush: ring hollow

beat (about/around) the bush

To speak vaguely or euphemistically so as to avoid talking directly about an unpleasant or sensitive topic. Don't beat around the bush—just tell me the truth. Why are you beating around the bush? Are you leaving our company?
See also: beat, 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, bush

beat around the bush

Also, beat about the bush. Approach indirectly, in a roundabout way, or too cautiously. For example, Stop beating around the bush-get to the point. This term, first recorded in 1572, originally may have alluded to beating the bushes for game.
See also: around, beat, bush

beat around the bush

To speak evasively or misleadingly, or to stall or waste time. To flush pheasants and other birds so they could be shot, British gamekeepers hired beaters who would swing sticks at likely places where the birds might be lurking. Not to go directly to such foliage but to work around it instead gave the impression of wasting time or not trying very hard to raise the birds; hence, beating around the bush.
See also: around, beat, bush
References in periodicals archive ?
He said: "I have only got this season and next season at Old Trafford and I wouldn't beat around the bush if I think the time is right to leave United or football.
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Now here it is, time to write out my considered thoughts on these two recordings for Issue 73, and this time I am going to beat around the bush -- at least a little.
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So if you are interested and you a male, or a woman who buys for her man, then let's not beat around the bush.
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Mar 21-Apr20 ARIES LIKE all those born under Aries, you don't beat around the bush.
with Mystic Reg My mysterious ball will reveal your future ... BLOKEOSCOPE
Let's not beat around the bush - we are in a relegation dogfight and it won't be easy.
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Let's not beat around the bush," said Terry in his programme notes.
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I can't beat around the bush - the last few months have been disappointing on my personal form.
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LEO Jul 24th - Aug 23rd Whereas good manners and graciousness will always reap an appropriate response, if there's something awkward to talk about today, you may be better to say it how it is, rather than beat around the bush.
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He was honest with me and I was honest with him - we didn't beat around the bush.
Football: Jones has no fears over Welsh spot
Let's not beat around the bush here - it's an excuse for loads of frisky young men to chase girlies wearing very little around a huge arena.
Irish Heartbeat: Spiller head a fab one-night line-up
But I still have a chance at Rangers and when Dick says that he means business because he is not the sort to beat around the bush.
I need more Gers action says Scott
Let's not beat around the bush, it is a huge challenge but one the guys should be looking forward to," said Giles.
Giles is aware of the size of task
Acting Swansea skipper Andy Gurney refused to beat around the bush after this latest disappointment and insisted only wins will do from now on.
Draws just not good enough
HOOPS keeper David Marshall doesn't beat around the bush - Celtic must win in Donetsk.
Football: MARSHALL: WECANSTILLQUALIFY
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