Beat around the bush Meaning in English
expression
BEET uh-ROWND thuh BUSH
BEET uh-ROWND thuh BUSH
Definition
To avoid talking directly about the main topic or issue, often because it is uncomfortable or difficult.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom, informal and especially used when someone avoids giving a clear answer. Sometimes heard as 'don't beat around the bush.' Similar to 'get to the point.' Not usually used in formal writing.
Spanish: andar con rodeos - evitar ir al granoPortuguese (BR): enrolar - ficar dando voltasPortuguese (PT): andar às voltas - evitar ir direto ao assuntoChinese (Simplified): 拐弯抹角 - 说话不直白Chinese (Traditional): 拐彎抹角 - 說話不直白Hindi: इधर-उधर की बातें करना - मुद्दे पर न आनाArabic: يدور حول الموضوع - لا يدخل في صلب الموضوعBengali: ঘুরিয়ে-পেঁচিয়ে বলা - এড়িয়ে চলাRussian: ходить вокруг да около - увиливать от ответаJapanese: 遠回しに言う - はっきり言わないVietnamese: nói vòng vo - nói tránhKorean: 돌려 말하다 - 빙빙 돌리다Turkish: lafı dolandırmak - dolaylı konuşmakUrdu: بات کو گھما پھرا کر کہنا - واضح بات نہ کرناIndonesian: berbelit-belit - menghindar dari pokok masalah
Example Sentences
Please don't beat around the bush, just tell me the truth.
basic
If you want my opinion, don't beat around the bush.
basic
She always beats around the bush when talking about her job.
basic
Stop beating around the bush and say what you really mean.
natural
Whenever I ask him for feedback, he just beats around the bush.
natural
You’re beating around the bush again—just answer the question!
natural