Beat about Meaning in English
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.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and British; often used as 'beat about the bush.' Refers to avoiding the point in conversation. Not the same as 'beat up' or 'beat' meaning to win/hit. Common in phrases like "Don’t beat about the bush."
Spanish: andar con rodeos - irse por las ramasPortuguese (BR): enrolar - fugir do assuntoPortuguese (PT): andar às voltas - evitar o assuntoChinese (Simplified): 拐弯抹角Chinese (Traditional): 拐彎抹角Hindi: घुमा-फिरा कर बोलनाArabic: الدوران حول الموضوعBengali: ইতস্তত করা - ঘুরিয়ে কথা বলাRussian: ходить вокруг да околоJapanese: はっきり言わない - 遠回しに言うVietnamese: nói vòng voKorean: 돌려 말하다Turkish: lafı dolandırmakUrdu: گھما پھرا کر بات کرناIndonesian: berputar-putar - tidak langsung bicara
Example Sentences
Please stop beating about and tell me what happened.
basic
If you keep beating about, we will not finish this discussion.
basic
He tends to beat about when he feels nervous.
basic
Can we not beat about for once and just get straight to the point?
natural
She always beats about when discussing serious topics.
natural
Instead of beating about, say what you really mean.
natural