To talk about lots of unimportant things because you want to avoid talking about what is really important:
Quit beating around the bush and say what’s on your mind.
Cambridge Dictionary
To beat about the bush
PHRASE
If you tell someone not to beat about the bush, you mean that you want them to tell you something immediately and quickly, rather than in a complicated, indirect way.
Stop beating about the bush. What’s he done?
Collins Cobuild
Page Description
Understand the meaning and origins of
‘beat around the bush,’
and explore examples and tips
on how to communicate more directly.
Mastering the Art of Indirect Communication
Beat Around the Bush
Why say something directly when you can take the scenic route? The expression “beat around the bush” captures the art of avoiding the point, skirting an issue, or being deliberately vague. This classic idiom has its roots in hunting traditions and has evolved into a common phrase used worldwide to describe indirect communication.
On this page, we unpack the meaning, history, and usage of “beat around the bush” through engaging text and a curated video. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, curious about its origins, or just looking for a bit of fun, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of why this expression remains relevant in everyday conversation.
Om de hete brij heen draaien
Waarom iets direct zeggen als je ook een omweg kunt maken? De uitdrukking “om de hete brij heen draaien” vat de kunst samen van het vermijden van de kern van de zaak, het ontwijken van een probleem of het opzettelijk vaag blijven. Deze klassieke zegswijze vindt zijn oorsprong in oude jachttradities en is uitgegroeid tot een veelgebruikte uitdrukking die indirecte communicatie beschrijft.
Op deze pagina ontrafelen we de betekenis, geschiedenis en het gebruik van “om de hete brij heen draaien” met boeiende tekst en een zorgvuldig geselecteerde video. Of je nu een taalenthousiasteling bent, nieuwsgierig naar de oorsprong ervan, of gewoon op zoek naar wat vermaak, je zult vertrekken met een helder begrip van waarom deze uitdrukking nog steeds relevant is in het dagelijks taalgebruik.
50 PAXMAN fails on Dutch TV about SAVILE SCANDAL
Back to menu HIGHLY IMPORTANT
19 sep. 2014
“Beat around the bush” is a common English idiomatic expression that means to avoid getting to the point or being indirect in communication, often by using evasive or circumlocutory language. The key points of “beat around the bush” include:
Indirectness: “Beat around the bush” implies a lack of directness in communication. Instead of addressing a topic or issue directly, someone who beats around the bush tends to avoid it or speak in a roundabout way.
Avoidance: The phrase suggests a reluctance to confront or deal with an issue directly. It may involve intentionally avoiding a sensitive or difficult topic or being evasive in order to delay or avoid having to discuss or address it.
Lengthy or ambiguous communication: “Beating around the bush” often involves using unnecessary or ambiguous language, resulting in lengthy or confusing communication that may not convey the intended message clearly.
Lack of clarity: The phrase implies a lack of straightforwardness or clarity in communication, which can frustrate or confuse the listener, as the speaker is not getting to the point directly.
Time-wasting: “Beating around the bush” can be seen as a waste of time or an inefficient way of communicating, as it prolongs discussions or negotiations and can hinder effective communication and problem-solving.
Overall, “beat around the bush” conveys the idea of avoiding directness and clarity in communication, often resulting in unnecessary confusion, ambiguity, and delays in addressing issues or resolving problems.
English Idioms with Meaning | Beat around the Bush
7 Super Useful Idioms to Improve Your Fluency
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ABOUT THE LESSON 📚
Learning English idioms is a great way to improve your comprehension and fluency because people use them all the time in casual conversation. So I walked out the door and searched for some of the most useful idioms to teach you. Here are the idioms that I found.
1) to beat around the bush
2) to bark up the wrong tree
3) to go with the flow
4) to nip (something) in the bud
5) Knock on wood.
6) (to be) living under a rock
7) grassroots
Ac Dc – Beating Around The Bush Lyrics
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