beating around the bush

idiom

Pronunciation: ˈbiːtɪŋ əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ

Definition

Avoiding the main topic or not speaking directly about an issue, often because it is uncomfortable or embarrassing.

Examples

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

• She was beating around the bush for so long that I eventually had to ask her if she was quitting.

• If you have bad news, just say it instead of beating around the bush.

Synonyms of beating around the bush

Words with a similar meaning to beating around the bush:

• evade
• equivocate
• hedge

Antonyms of beating around the bush

Words with the opposite meaning to beating around the bush:

• get to the point
• be direct

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