beat about the bush

[beat about the bush] or [beat around the bush] {v. phr.}, {slang}

To talk about things without giving a clear answer; avoid the question or the point.

* /He would not answer yes or no, but beat about the bush./

* /He beat about the bush for a half hour without coming to the point./

Compare: BESIDE THE POINT.

Contrast: COME TO THE POINT.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	come to the point [come to the point] or [get to the point] {v. phr.} To talk about the ... A Dictionary of American Idioms beside the point [beside the point] or [beside the question] {adj.} or {adv. phr.} Off the subject; about ... A Dictionary of American Idioms beat the bushes [beat the bushes] also [beat the brush] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try very hard to ... A Dictionary of American Idioms bush [bush] See: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH, BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE ... A Dictionary of American Idioms hem and haw [hem and haw] {v. phr.} 1. To pause or hesitate while speaking, often with little ... A Dictionary of American Idioms beat it [beat it] {v.}, {slang} To go away in a hurry; get out quickly. * /When ... A Dictionary of American Idioms beat around the bush [beat around the bush] See: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH. A Dictionary of American Idioms