How to Pronounce "beat about"
expression
ˈbit/ /əˈbaʊt
BEET uh-BOWT
bˈiːt/ /ɐbˈaʊt
BEET uh-BOWT
Definition
To avoid speaking directly about something, often by talking in a roundabout way. Mostly used when someone is not addressing the main point.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbit/ /əˈbaʊt
British English
bˈiːt/ /ɐbˈaʊt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BEET uh-BOWT
UK
BEET uh-BOWT
Listen in Context
Please stop beating about and tell me what happened.
If you keep beating about, we will not finish this discussion.
He tends to beat about when he feels nervous.
Can we not beat about for once and just get straight to the point?