Saturday 3 March 2007

Phrase of the Day 38: 'to beat around the bush'

"to beat around the bush"


definition: to not directly address the problem/issue, to speak indirectly or evasively

(chodit kolem neceho jako kocka kolem horke kase; mlatit prazdnou slamu)

example: I wish Josh would stop beating around the bush and tell Jana what he really thinks

origin: Hunters used to hire 'beaters' who would beat/hit bushes. This would cause the hunted animal or bird to leave the bush and leave the hunter to 'make his point' (i.e. kill the animal)

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