To beat around the bush
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth now.
Definition
"To beat around the bush" means to avoid addressing a topic directly, often by speaking indirectly or evasively. It is used when someone delays or avoids getting to the main point, as in the example phrase: Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth now.
Etymology
The phrase "to beat around the bush" originates from hunting practices in medieval England, where hunters would literally beat bushes to flush out game without directly confronting it. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe avoiding direct communication or action.
Learn to use this expression actively
"To beat around the bush" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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