Go all round the houses

usgb
phrase

To take a longer, more complex route or process, instead of a simple, straightforward one.

Instead of simply answering my question, he went all round the houses.
Visual representation of "go all round the houses" - To take a longer, more complex route or process, instead of a simple, straightforward one

Often appears as...

  • go all round the houses for nothing
  • he goes all round the houses

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "go all round the houses"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Verb Flexibility

Can be modified with different verbs to emphasize the indirectness, such as 'talk,' 'walk,' or 'explain'.

Illustration for Verb Flexibility
She talked all round the houses before getting to her point.
LampPro Tip 2/3

British Origin

Particularly British in usage; may not be understood by English speakers from other regions.

Illustration for British Origin
When I said 'go all round the houses,' my American friend was confused.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's a figure of speech, so it doesn't mean someone is physically going around houses.

Illustration for Not Literal
He went all round the houses but didn't actually visit anyone's home.
Visual representation of the word "Go all round the houses"

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