beat around the bush

idiom

Pronunciation: /biːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/

Definition

Avoiding the main topic or delaying speaking directly about an uncomfortable subject.

Examples

• Stop beating around the bush and tell me exactly how much this project will cost.

• She kept beating around the bush during the meeting, making it difficult to understand her actual position.

• If you have bad news, just say it; there is no need to beat around the bush.

Synonyms of beat around the bush

Words with a similar meaning to beat around the bush:

• evade
• hedge
• equivocate

Antonyms of beat around the bush

Words with the opposite meaning to beat around the bush:

• get to the point
• speak plainly

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