Beat about the bush Meaning in English
expression
BEET uh-BOWT thuh BUSH
BEET uh-BOWT thuh BUSH
Definition
To avoid talking directly about something, usually because it is uncomfortable or difficult.
Usage & Nuances
An idiom, mostly used in informal and conversational contexts. Commonly followed by a direct question: 'Stop beating about the bush and tell me!' Similar: 'get to the point'. Not literal; don't use with physical actions.
Spanish: andar con rodeos - irse por las ramasPortuguese (BR): enrolar - ficar dando voltasPortuguese (PT): andar às voltas - evitar o assuntoChinese (Simplified): 拐弯抹角Chinese (Traditional): 拐彎抹角Hindi: इधर-उधर की बातें करनाArabic: يدور حول الموضوعBengali: ঘুরিয়ে-পেঁচিয়ে কথা বলা - ইঙ্গিতপূর্ণভাবে বলাRussian: ходить вокруг да околоJapanese: 遠回しに言う - はっきり言わないVietnamese: nói vòng voKorean: 둘러서 말하다 - 돌려 말하다Turkish: lafı dolandırmakUrdu: بات کو گھما پھرا کر کہناIndonesian: bertele-tele - berbasa-basi
Example Sentences
Please don't beat about the bush. What do you really want to say?
basic
If you want to ask for help, don't beat about the bush.
basic
He always beats about the bush when he's nervous.
basic
Stop beating about the bush and get to the point!
natural
Whenever there's a tough topic, she likes to beat about the bush instead of talking straight.
natural
Don't beat about the bush—just tell me if you’re quitting or not.
natural