Beat around the bush
/biːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/
Definition
The meaning: Beat around the bush is an idiomatic expression that means to avoid addressing the main topic or issue directly, often by talking in a vague or roundabout way.
La signification: Éviter d'aborder le sujet principal ou le problème directement, souvent en parlant de manière vague ou détournée.
Note: This phrase is often used to describe someone who is being indirect or evasive in communication. The imagery comes from the practice of beating bushes to flush out birds, where one might avoid going straight to the point. Another version is beat about the bush.
Word Analysis
French synonyms » Tourner autour du pot » Éviter le sujet » Ne pas aller droit au but » Faire des détours » Parler de manière évasive » Ne pas dire les choses clairement [Il a passé toute la réunion à tourner autour du pot sans jamais aborder le vif du sujet.]
English synonyms » Avoid the issue » Dance around the topic » Skirt the issue » Be indirect » Hedge » Prevaricate [Instead of addressing the problem directly, he kept beating around the bush.]
Example Dialogue
Kananelo: "Why don't you just tell him the truth?"
Mpho: "I don't want to upset him, so I keep beating around the bush."
Kananelo: "But you're just making it worse by avoiding the issue."
Mpho: "I know, but it's hard to be direct when the truth might hurt."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "beat around the bush" originates from the practice of hunters beating bushes to flush out birds. By avoiding direct action, they would "beat around" the bush instead of addressing it head-on. The idiom has been used since the 15th century to describe someone who avoids addressing the main issue or speaks in a roundabout way. It emphasises indirectness and evasiveness in communication.
Audience
The phrase "beat around the bush" is informal but not vulgar. It is commonly used in everyday speech, both in casual and semi-formal contexts, to describe someone who avoids addressing the main issue directly.
When to use: Use this phrase when describing someone who is being indirect or evasive. For example: "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think." It is suitable for most informal and some semi-formal situations but may be too casual for highly formal settings.
Dictionary Meaning
Wiktionary defines it this way: 'To delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant.'
This alternative is provided: "To treat a topic, but omit its main points, often intentionally."
News Snippet
"There is a good reason why that specific institution (DCEO Director General) is allowed to simply request information in writing. Its mandate is to investigate corruption. There’s no need to beat around the bush when you’re fighting corruption. "
Read the full article at Lesotho Times
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Common Idioms and Expressions
Beat around the bush: To avoid addressing the main topic or issue directly, often by talking in a vague or roundabout way.
Example: "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think."
Beat about the bush: A British variant of beat around the bush, meaning the same thing—avoiding the main issue.
Example: "He kept beating about the bush instead of giving a straight answer."
Dance around the issue: To avoid addressing a topic directly, often by being evasive or indirect.
Example: "She danced around the issue for hours without ever getting to the point."
Skirt the issue: To avoid dealing with the main topic or problem directly.
Example: "The politician skirted the issue during the interview, frustrating the reporters."
Hedge: To avoid giving a clear or direct answer, often by being vague or noncommittal.
Example: "He hedged when asked about his plans for the future."
Prevaricate: To speak or act in an evasive way, often to avoid telling the truth directly.
Example: "The witness prevaricated under cross-examination, making it hard to get a straight answer."
Talk in circles: To speak in a way that avoids getting to the point, often repeating the same ideas without clarity.
Example: "He talked in circles for an hour, but no one understood what he was trying to say."
Evade the question: To avoid answering a question directly, often by changing the subject or being vague.
Example: "Every time I asked about the budget, he evaded the question."
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