beat around the bush
The phrase "beat around the bush" has roots in hunting, where beaters would strike bushes to scare out game, avoiding direct confrontation.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)To avoid discussing a topic directly or clearly, often to delay addressing it.
Example
- Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
- He kept beating around the bush instead of answering the question.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "beat around the bush":
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