beat around the bush

Related to beat around the bush: ring hollow

beat around the bush

To speak vaguely or euphemistically so as to avoid talking directly about an unpleasant or sensitive topic. Primarily heard in US. Don't beat around the bush—just tell me the truth. Would you pleast stop beating around the bush? Are you leaving the company or not?
See also: around, beat, bush
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

beat around the bush

 and beat about the bush
Fig. to avoid answering a question; to stall; to waste time. Stop beating around the bush and answer my question. Let's stop beating about the bush and discuss this matter.
See also: around, beat, bush
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

beat around the bush

Also, beat about the bush. Approach indirectly, in a roundabout way, or too cautiously. For example, Stop beating around the bush-get to the point. This term, first recorded in 1572, originally may have alluded to beating the bushes for game.
See also: around, beat, bush
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

beat around the bush

To speak evasively or misleadingly, or to stall or waste time. To flush pheasants and other birds so they could be shot, British gamekeepers hired beaters who would swing sticks at likely places where the birds might be lurking. Not to go directly to such foliage but to work around it instead gave the impression of wasting time or not trying very hard to raise the birds; hence, beating around the bush.
See also: around, beat, bush
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • beat about the bush
  • pace around hot porridge like a cat
  • not beat around the bush
  • not beat about the bush
  • come to a bad end
  • come to a bad/sticky end
  • about last night...
  • the dear knows
  • mince words
  • not know A from a windmill
References in periodicals archive
"I'm not going to beat around the bush: individual members promised to vote for us and didn't, clearly."
Britain's media 'was to blame'
They go into details and beat around the bush without really answering any question," he said.
TV hosts urged to achieve finesse in handling talk shows
"Let's not beat around the bush, everyone knew I needed a good start," he said.
Football: I had to make a good start or I'd have been sacked; Blues News GOOD RESPONSE: Blues boss admits he was under pressure
I won't beat around the bush - frankly, I wouldn't, it's not well enough paid, apart from anything else - and some of Armytage's material visits too many hunt balls and countryside marches (although it never plumbs the 'bagging-a-mole' depths of The Field & co).
BOOK REVIEWS: Fr om blow-up dolls t o side-split ting y arns; Hot Cherry The best of Marcus Armytage (Highdown, pounds 15.99)
Acting Swansea skipper Andy Gurney refused to beat around the bush after this latest disappointment and insisted only wins will do from now on.
Draws just not good enough
Don't beat around the bush. Be direct rather than hinting at the help you need.
Not asking for help is top networking mistake. (Business)
Don't beat around the bush. If you've got to lay some yucky news on your bud for damage control purposes, be kind but frank.
True confessions: honesty is the best policy. But what if the truth hurts? Here's how to lay hard-to-spill stuff on your BFF without hurting her--or your friendship! (Friends)
He said: "I have only got this season and next season at Old Trafford and I wouldn't beat around the bush if I think the time is right to leave United or football.
Football: Keano's 'I'll quit' United stunner
KWN: When I reviewed the Telarc recording back in Issue 65, I wrote: "I'm not going to beat around the bush. The Mahler 9th is a great piece of music, and this recording is the best combination of sound and performance I have ever heard." Less than a year later, the Boulez/ Chicago recording was released on DG, and I was so excited to hear it that I could barely wait to get home and slap it into my CD player.
Double Double
When asked if he would want Almazan's services if Rain or Shine makes him available via trade, Guiao did not beat around the bush.
As Almazan goes missing, six PBA teams interested in his services
The London Fire Brigade did not beat around the bush in a (http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/LatestNewsReleases_fifty-shades-of-red-incidents-go-up.asp#.WKRXyRIrJsN) sex safety report posted on its website Tuesday: "As the second 'Fifty Shades of Grey' film hits cinemas we are once again warning about people being stuck or trapped in objects as penis ring removals soar."
Law Enforcement Agencies Warn Couples About 'Fifty Shades' Safety
I'm not going to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, certainly if I caught any of my players trying to cheat - and that's what it is, let's not beat around the bush - I would punish them.
Bruce has his say at Allardyce remarks
"Let's not beat around the bush, it is a huge challenge but one the guys should be looking forward to," said Giles.
Giles is aware of the size of task
Jason Koumas didn't beat around the bush when asked about the visit of West Bromwich Albion tomorrow, declaring: 'I'm desperate to play,' writes Gavin Allen.
Koumas looking to prove a point
HOOPS keeper David Marshall doesn't beat around the bush - Celtic must win in Donetsk.
Football: MARSHALL: WECANSTILLQUALIFY