Go all round the houses
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Verb Flexibility
Can be modified with different verbs to emphasize the indirectness, such as 'talk,' 'walk,' or 'explain'. 
She talked all round the houses before getting to her point.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
Particularly British in usage; may not be understood by English speakers from other regions. 
When I said 'go all round the houses,' my American friend was confused.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figure of speech, so it doesn't mean someone is physically going around houses. 
He went all round the houses but didn't actually visit anyone's home.
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