The idiom "beat around the bush" means to avoid talking directly about a topic or issue and instead talk about irrelevant or unimportant things. It is used when someone is not being straightforward or is avoiding giving a clear answer to a question.
For example, if someone asks you a direct question, such as "Did you finish your homework?" and you start talking about the weather or your plans for the weekend instead of answering the question directly, you are beating around the bush.
Another example could be when you are trying to get to the point of a conversation, but the other person keeps talking about unrelated things. You could say, "Can you please stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really want to say?"
In short, "beating around the bush" means to avoid being direct and clear in communication. It is important to be straightforward and honest in communication to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
• I wish my friend would stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth about what happened last night.
• My doctor beat around the bush before telling me the test results, so I knew it wasn't good news.
• The lawyer was able to beat around the bush and confuse the jury during the cross-examination.
• I asked my friend if she wanted to come to the party, but she beat around the bush and didn't give me a clear answer.
• The politician was skilled at beating around the bush and avoiding direct questions during the debate.
• The boss kept beating around the bush when I asked for a raise, so I'm not sure if I'll get it.