Beat around the bush

Beat around the bush

Meaning:

Avoid or delay talking about something unpleasant or embarrassing

If you beat around the bush, you don't say something directly to someone because you are worried about his/her reaction and don't want to upset him/her.

Some people also say " beat about the bush. "


Example:

Don't beat around the bush! Tell me what exactly you want.

Let's not beat around the bush anymore. You'd better do this project over. It's not acceptable to us.