Beat about the bush

Pro Tip 1/3

Indirectness

Used when someone doesn't want to discuss something directly or give a straight answer.

When I asked if he'd taken my book, he started beating about the bush.

Pro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Confrontation

People might 'beat about the bush' to avoid confrontations or uncomfortable topics.

He kept beating about the bush instead of admitting his mistake.

Pro Tip 3/3

Informal

It's an informal phrase, more likely to be used in personal conversations than formal writing.

In our meeting, she didn't beat about the bush and asked for a raise directly.