beat around the bush

Значение

to avoid saying something directly

Не говорить прямо, увиливать.

Примеры

1. 1If you want to borrow money again, you can say so instead of beating around the bush.
2. 2Tom beat around the bush for ten minutes before admitting he had scratched my car.
3. 3Please don't beat around the bush – just tell me honestly whether you liked my essay.
4. 4Jack spent ages chatting about the weather; he always beats around the bush when he has bad news.
5. 5When I asked about a pay rise, my boss beat around the bush instead of giving a straight answer.

Грамматика

Меняется только beat: beats, beating, beat, beaten. В Британии говорят и beat about the bush.

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