THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Beat around the bush
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To avoid talking directly about the main topic; to speak in a roundabout way.
Usage note: keep in mind
Use this when someone avoids the real subject by talking about less important details. The past tense is beat, and the -ing form is beating. A direct request to stop can sound impatient; soften it when speaking to a colleague.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened!
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To avoid talking directly about the main topic; to speak in a roundabout way.
Show the answer
Beat around the bush — To avoid talking directly about the main topic; to speak in a roundabout way.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Beat around the bush” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To avoid talking directly about the main topic; to speak in a roundabout way.
Compare: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened!
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- We spent ten minutes discussing the room before asking about the rent. We were beating around the bush.
- Please don't beat around the bush. Tell me which part of the proposal needs changing.
Check your understanding
A colleague discusses the weather instead of explaining why a deadline was missed. Which action would stop the colleague beating around the bush?
Check your answer
Explaining the missed deadline directly. The expression concerns avoiding the main topic, not speaking slowly or making a long but relevant explanation.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where beat around the bush fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.