Beat Around/About the Bush, To
Definition: Indirection in word or deed; to shillyshally, to approach something in a roundabout way.
Origin: This expression for overcautiousness dates from the early sixteenth century, when Robert Whytynton (Vulgaria, 1520) warned, “a longe betynge aboute the busshe and losse of time.” Some authorities think it came from beating the bushes for game, and indeed there are numerous sayings concerning the delays caused by too much beating and not enough bird-catching, dating back even further. Although the days of beaters seem remote, the phrase survives as a common cliché.
Related and Similar Terms, Proverbs, Expressions, and Common Phrases:
- “Dance around the issue” – Similar to beating around the bush, it means to avoid addressing something directly.
- “Hem and haw” – To be indecisive or evasive.
- “Skirt the issue” – A roundabout way of handling something instead of facing it head-on.
- “Go around Robin Hood’s barn” – Taking an unnecessarily long route to reach a conclusion.
- “Procrastination is the thief of time” – A well-known proverb urging against delay and avoidance.
Synonyms:
- Evasion
- Procrastination
- Deferral
- Circumlocution
Antonyms:
- Directness
- Clarity
- Candor
- Confrontation
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Why do they say you beat around the bush? Sounds like a waste of good gardening to me.” – Jane Doe, the reluctant gardener.
- “If beating around the bush were an Olympic sport, I’d have a gold medal in dawdling.” – Procrastinator Extraordinaire
Proverbs:
- “A stitch in time saves nine.”
- “He who hesitates is lost.”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Books: “Procrastinate on Purpose” by Rory Vaden – A dive into tackling the art of putting off tasks.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost – For paths chosen and unchosen, often delayed in decision.
- Movie: “Yes Man” (2008) – A movie about saying “yes” to life instead of avoiding it.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“May your journey be marked by direct paths and the courage to face issues head-on, turning every obstacle into an opportunity and every delay into a decisive stride forward.”
– The whimsical writings of Fiona Fanciful
