Idiom: Beat around the bush

 

"Stop beating around the bush."


Meaning

  • The phrase ‘Beating around the bush’ means to avoid answering a question; to waste time or to delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant; 
  • To spend a long time getting to the main point of what you are saying, especially because it is embarrassing.

  • If you tell someone not to beat around the bush, you mean that you want them to tell you something immediately and quickly, rather than in a complicated, indirect way.

Note

It’s common for this phrase to have ‘stop’ in front of it. This is basically a way of saying ‘get directly to the point.’

Synonym: To change from one subject or discussion to another

Origin

It is believed that this expression comes from hunting. According to Idiomation, in medieval times hunters would hire men to assist them during a hunt. The job of these hired helpers was to flush out any animals that were hiding in the bushes. How did they accomplish this? By beating the bushes with something like a wooden stick; there was probably some loud shouting involved as well. All the rustling and noise would scare out any birds and other animals from the cover of the brush, making them easy targets for the hunters.


Example Sentences

  • Don't beat around the bush - get to the point!
  • Quit beating around the bush and say what’s on your mind.
  • Your worries have nothing to do with the new proposal. Stop beating around the bush, and cast your vote!
  • Just stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is!
  • Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
  • If you want to ask me, just ask; don’t beat around the bush.
  • Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.
  • When I asked George whether he knew who had taken the files from my desk, he started beating around the bush and refused to give me a direct answer.
  • I know this discussion is an uncomfortable one, but instead of beating around the bush, let’s come to the point and get over with it.
  • You will have to learn to speak clearly about what you want. You won’t get anywhere if you keep beating around the bush. 
  • Why can’t you get straight to the point instead of beating around the bush? 
  • Don't beat around the bush; state your case in plain and simple terms.
  • He's beating around the bush for a half hour without coming to the point.
  • I wish he would say what he really means and not always beat around the bush.
  • I’m busy right now, so if you have something important to tell me, then stop beating around the bush and spit it out already!


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