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Region: General | Usage example: Stop beating around the issue and say what you mean.

Beat around the issue

Meaning

Avoid addressing the main topic directly.

Usage

Used when urging someone to be frank.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Derived from hunting practice of beating bushes around game.

Common in American English of the 20th century.

Related Idioms

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

Beating around the issue

Avoiding direct discussion of a topic.

What goes around comes around

Your actions eventually come back to you.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.