Is beat around the bush formal or informal?

It is common in speech and writing, but it sounds more conversational than formal.

What is the difference between beat around the bush and be vague?

Be vague means the meaning is unclear. Beat around the bush means someone avoids the main point.

Can I use beat around the bush in business English?

Yes, but use it carefully. It can sound blunt or critical.

← Dictionary

to-beat-around-the-bush

/tə ˌbiːt əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

To avoid saying something directly. A person beats around the bush when they delay the main point or speak in a roundabout way.

Please stop beating around the bush.
He beat around the bush before giving the bad news.

Adinary Nuance

Beating around the bush is less direct than being vague or indirect. It suggests the speaker knows the point but avoids saying it plainly. Use it when someone is taking too long to get to the real issue. In conversation, it can sound critical or impatient.

In other languages

Vietnamese: nói vòng vo
Spanish: andarse con rodeos
Chinese: 拐弯抹角
Japanese: 遠回しに言う
Korean: 돌려 말하다

Etymology

This idiom likely comes from hunting, when people beat bushes to drive out birds or animals. It became common in English by the 16th century.

Common phrases

stop beating around the bushdon't beat around the bushwithout beating around the bush

Synonyms

circumlocute be indirect beat about the bush

Related words

vague hesitate evasive hint

Frequently asked questions

Is beat around the bush formal or informal?: It is common in speech and writing, but it sounds more conversational than formal.
What is the difference between beat around the bush and be vague?: Be vague means the meaning is unclear. Beat around the bush means someone avoids the main point.
Can I use beat around the bush in business English?: Yes, but use it carefully. It can sound blunt or critical.