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Beat about the bush

//ˈbiːt əˌbaʊ̯t ðə bʊʃ// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    Alternative form of beat around the bush. alt-of, alternative

    "There is no use beating about the bush with a man like you. I know that. You are direct, and so am I. You know my position well enough to be assured that I am empowered to treat with you."

Etymology

From medieval English hunting practices. Some men would whack bushes with sticks to scare birds out so that others could hunt them. Beating the bush directly could be dangerous.

See also for "beat about the bush"

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