beat (around/about) the bush
Meaning(s)
1. avoid addressing a subject or point directly
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
stop beating around the bush and get to the point!
Analysis
This expression means to spend a long time getting to your main point, or to avoid directly talking about something, especially if the subject is awkward or unpleasant. It is usually used in a negative sense, either to express frustration at somebody or, in the case of 'I won't/don't want to beat around the bush,' to preface the delivery of bad news. It is commonly used in both a social and professional context and shares a similar meaning to the phrases 'go around the houses', 'waffle on', and 'pussyfoot around.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- John, you've been talking for nearly five minutes now and I still don't know what you're driving at. Stop beating around the bush and get to the point!
- You never know what Mary is really thinking. She will always just beat around the bush instead of saying how she really feels about something.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I don't want to beat about the bush here, so I'm just going to come out and say it - I'm afraid that we are going to have to let you go. I hope you can find employment elsewhere in the very near future.
- In some cultures, it is impolite to be direct so you can expect to beat around the bush before addressing the matter at hand.