Definition of Beat around the bush

1. Verb. Be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information.


Definition of Beat around the bush

1. Verb. (idiomatic) To treat a topic, but omit its main points, often intentionally. ¹

2. Verb. (idiomatic) To delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Beat Around The Bush

beasts of burden
beasts of prey
beasty
beat(p)
beat-to-beat variability
beat-up
beat-ups
beat 'em up
beat 'em ups
beat Banaghan
beat a dead horse
beat a retreat
beat about
beat about the bush
beat around the bush (current term)
beat back
beat cop
beat down
beat downs
beat feet
beat generation
beat in
beat level
beat levels
beat one's brain
beat one's head against a stone wall

Literary usage of Beat around the bush

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains by Owen Wister (1904)
"The Virginian smiled guiltily at her through his crimson. " I've no doubt you can beat around the bush very well with men," said Mrs. Henry. ..."

2. Lawyers' Reports Annotated by Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Company (1916)
"A. I told him that he knew the amount, and it wasn't necessary—well, I don't know but what I used the words he said; beat around the bush. ..."

3. Changing Africa: The First Literary Generation of Independent Cape Verde by Gerald M. Moser (1992)
""Well, not to beat around the bush, and not to keep you people waiting, I have come to tell you, Mr. and Mrs., to give me dear Mimi in marriage, ..."

4. Transactions of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists by American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (1907)
"Dr. Harlan also spoke of impacted bowel being a cause of dislocated kidney, but it seems to me he had to beat around the bush a good deal in reaching a ..."

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