beat about the bush


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: around, beat, bush

beat about the bush

discuss a matter without coming to the point; be ineffectual and waste time. This phrase is a metaphor which originated in the shooting or netting of birds; compare with beat the bushes below. 1992 Barry Unsworth Sacred Hunger I don't want to beat about the bush. Mr Adams is threatening to leave us. See also: beat, bush

ˌbeat about the ˈbush

(British English) (American English ˌbeat around the ˈbush) take too long before saying what you want to say; avoid saying something directly: Don’t beat about the bush. Tell me exactly what you think is wrong with my work. OPPOSITE: call a spade a spadeSee also: beat, bush