beat around the bush
(UK also beat about the bush)Definition
C1 to avoid talking about what is important: Don't beat around the bush - get to the point!Digressing and being indirect or evasiveMoving in order to avoid contactNot saying much
(Definition of beat around the bush from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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Synonyms and related words:
- circumlocution noun
- discursive adjective
- elliptical adjective (LANGUAGE)
- euphemism noun
- evade verb
- evasive adjective
- gloss over sth phrasal verb
- go (all) round the houses idiom
- hedge verb
- indirect adjective (NOT OBVIOUS)
- mealy-mouthed adjective
- oblique adjective (NOT DIRECT)
- prevaricate verb
- roundabout adjective
- sanitize verb (CHANGE)
- sidestep verb
- tiptoe round/around sth/sb phrasal verb
- underlying adjective (NOT OBVIOUS)
- veiled adjective
- wander verb (SUBJECT)
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