[Idiom] BEAT AROUND THE BUSH. - Learn Efficient Communication Without The Fluff

To avoid talking about what is important.

When someone tells you they’re “beating around the bush,” they’re essentially avoiding the main point. Imagine someone in the forest, circling around a thick bush, never actually going through it. It’s a humorous visual for what occurs during conversations where the speaker dodges the core topic, often because it’s uncomfortable or difficult. This phrase highlights the need for directness and simplicity in our interactions.

Example Sentences

1. Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.

   Urging for a straightforward disclosure of the events instead of avoiding the topic.

2. He kept beating around the bush instead of giving a straight answer.

   His avoidance of direct answers prolonged the conversation unnecessarily.

3. Why do you keep beating around the bush? Just get to the point!

   The plea for a direct approach in the conversation highlights annoyance with indirect answers.