Beat about the bush

verb

To avoid talking about what is important.

Don't beat about the bush, just tell me the truth.
Visual representation of "beat about the bush" - To avoid talking about what is important.

Often appears as...

  • stop beating about the bush
  • don't beat about the bush

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To avoid talking about what is important.

Don't beat about the bush, just tell me the truth.
Visual representation of "beat about the bush" - To avoid talking about what is important.

Often appears as...

  • stop beating about the bush
  • don't beat about the bush

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "beat about the bush"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Indirectness

Used when someone doesn't want to discuss something directly or give a straight answer.

Illustration for Indirectness
When I asked if he'd taken my book, he started beating about the bush.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Confrontation

People might 'beat about the bush' to avoid confrontations or uncomfortable topics.

Illustration for Avoiding Confrontation
He kept beating about the bush instead of admitting his mistake.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal

It's an informal phrase, more likely to be used in personal conversations than formal writing.

Illustration for Informal
In our meeting, she didn't beat about the bush and asked for a raise directly.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Indirectness

Used when someone doesn't want to discuss something directly or give a straight answer.

Illustration for Indirectness
When I asked if he'd taken my book, he started beating about the bush.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Confrontation

People might 'beat about the bush' to avoid confrontations or uncomfortable topics.

Illustration for Avoiding Confrontation
He kept beating about the bush instead of admitting his mistake.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal

It's an informal phrase, more likely to be used in personal conversations than formal writing.

Illustration for Informal
In our meeting, she didn't beat about the bush and asked for a raise directly.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Indirectness

Used when someone doesn't want to discuss something directly or give a straight answer.

Illustration for Indirectness
When I asked if he'd taken my book, he started beating about the bush.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Confrontation

People might 'beat about the bush' to avoid confrontations or uncomfortable topics.

Illustration for Avoiding Confrontation
He kept beating about the bush instead of admitting his mistake.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal

It's an informal phrase, more likely to be used in personal conversations than formal writing.

Illustration for Informal
In our meeting, she didn't beat about the bush and asked for a raise directly.
Visual representation of the word "Beat about the bush"

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