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Beat around the Bush

What Does "Beat around the Bush" Mean?

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"Beat around the bush" is an English idiom. It means "to speak evasively or indirectly; to avoid getting to the point."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "beat around the bush" used in a sentence:
  • Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
  • She keeps beating around the bush whenever I ask her about the finances.
  • If you have something to say, say it. Don't beat around the bush.
meaning for beat around the bush

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Beat around the Bush" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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