beat around the bush

Cultural  

1. To avoid getting to the point of an issue: “Your worries have nothing to do with the new proposal. Stop beating around the bush, and cast your vote!”

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beat around the bush Idioms  

1. Also, beat about the bush. Approach indirectly, in a roundabout way, or too cautiously. For example, Stop beating around the bush—get to the point. This term, first recorded in 1572, originally may have alluded to beating the bushes for game.

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Example Sentences

They weren’t the kind to beat around the bush.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

“I’m not going to beat around the bush, man: We want to win the Super Bowl,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said.

From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2023

Members of the PAP who have worked with Wong told Reuters the politician "does not beat around the bush", though also described him as thoughtful and kind-hearted.

From Reuters • Jun. 6, 2022

“It’s important that they see that it’s part of this game, and change does take place, and I think you beat around the bush on it, I don’t think that’s good, either.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2022

When Lee felt that enough time had passed he did not beat around the bush.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• baffle
• confound
• dodge
• evade
• flee
• foil
• frustrate
• outrun
• outwit
• puzzle
• shun
• stall
• stonewall
• thwart