beat around the bush - idiom meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "at around the bush" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Beating around the bush can be a method of continuing a conversation while you gain the courage to speak about an important issue.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

Alternate:

To beat about the bush.

 
In the imperative:

"Stop beating around the bush!"
"Don't beat around the bush!"
 

We often beat around the bush when we are afraid that the thing we need to talk about will cause a negative reaction.
 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 2:

A man is sitting in his doctor's office after having taken a series of tests ...

Man:  "Well, Doc.  What did the tests reveal?"
Doctor:  "Before we talk about that, let me tell you that new treatments are being discovered every day."
Man:  "OK?"
Doctor:  "There are even a few clinical trials starting soon."
Man:  "And?"
Doctor:  "You may want a second opinion."
Man:  "Doctor.  Please don't beat around the bush any longer.  Tell me what's wrong with me!"
Doctor:  "You have a serious form of cancer.  Your life expectancy is less than six months."

 

Answer 5

Idiom Scenario 1:

A husband and wife are talking shortly after the husband has arrived home from the office ...

Wife:  "How was your day?"
Husband:  "Pretty good.  You remember I was telling you about that big project we've been working on?"
Wife:  "Yes. And?"
Husband:  "You remember how I told you that most of the work is overseas?"
Wife:  "Yes.  And?"
Husband:  "You remember I told you that there could be some travel involved with this project?"
Wife:  "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me!"
Husband:  "I need to take a two week business trip starting tomorrow."
Wife:  "What?"

 

Answer 6

Idiom Definition:

"to beat around the bush"

to not speak directly to the most important issue of the moment
to speak of many things that are related to the most important issue of the moment but never actually talk about the most important issue.
 

Synonyms:  avoid, baffle, balk, circumvent, conceal, confuse, deceive, dodge, elude, equivocate, fudge, hedge, lie, pretend, prevaricate, pussyfoot, sidestep, trick, weasel