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Region: General | Usage example: Stop beating around the issue and state your position.

Beating around the issue

Meaning

Avoiding direct discussion of a topic.

Usage

Used to stress the need for frankness.

Origin & History

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

Possibly from hunting, avoiding the prey by moving around it.

Appears in American English of the 20th century.

Related Idioms

Beat around the issue

Avoid addressing the main topic directly.

What goes around comes around

Your actions eventually come back to you.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

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.