"Beat around the bush" is a common idiom in English communication. It refers to avoiding the main issue by speaking vaguely. In the IELTS Speaking test, using idioms accurately and naturally can help you achieve a higher score. So, what does "beat around the bush" mean and how can you use it in IELTS? This article from IDP provides detailed insights into its meaning and usage.
1. What Does "Beat Around the Bush" Mean
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the idiom "beat around the bush" means to avoid talking about what is important. It is often used when someone is being indirect and not addressing the main point.
Example:
Can you stop beating around the bush and tell me whether your decision is yes or no
2. How to Use "Beat Around the Bush" in English
This idiom is frequently used in daily conversations when someone wants to encourage another person to speak directly. It also appears in professional contexts when clarity is needed in discussions.
Example:
Stop beating around the bush and get to the point We need to make a decision
3. Synonyms for "Beat Around the Bush"
There are several expressions with similar meanings that you can use in both conversations and IELTS responses.
Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Avoid the issue | To not deal with the problem directly | He avoided the issue and changed the subject |
Dodge the question | To deliberately avoid answering | The director dodged the question with vague responses |
Skirt around the subject | To avoid discussing the topic | The actress skirted around the dating rumors |
Hem and haw | To hesitate or be indecisive | I hemmed and hawed when asked about my exam results |
Sidestep the issue | To evade a direct response | He sidestepped the issue about quitting his job |
Stall for time | To delay intentionally | She stalled for time by asking to check the data again |
4. Difference Between "Beat Around the Bush" and "Avoid the Question"
Though similar, these phrases are used slightly differently:
Beat around the bush: Describes speaking in a roundabout way without addressing the core issue.
Example: He kept beating around the bush instead of giving a clear update on the project.
Avoid the question: Describes deliberately not answering a specific question.
Example: He avoided the question by changing the subject entirely.
5. Using "Beat Around the Bush" in IELTS
IELTS Speaking
You can use this idiom to answer questions about communication, feedback, or decision-making.
Example Question: Do you believe it’s important to give direct feedback
Sample Answer: Yes, I think it’s important to provide direct feedback, especially in professional settings. I once had a manager who always beat around the bush instead of pointing out our weaknesses. It was confusing and unproductive. A direct approach saves time and avoids misunderstandings.
IELTS Writing
This idiom is informal and should not be used in academic writing. Instead, use more formal alternatives:
Obscure: Difficult to understand
Example: The report was too obscure to identify the project's main goals.
Circumvent: To avoid by going around something
Example: He circumvented the topic by talking about his English scores instead of his poor math results.
6. Practice Exercises on "Beat Around the Bush"
Instructions: Choose whether each sentence uses "beat around the bush" correctly.
After beating around the bush for an hour, the professor finally explained the complex theory
Answer: Incorrect – The professor likely provided context, not avoided the issue.
She beat around the bush when asked about her friend’s haircut.
Answer: Correct
The detective beat around the bush, asking irrelevant questions to confuse the suspect.
Answer: Incorrect – This is not a typical use of the idiom.
He beat around the bush before admitting he needed to borrow money.
Answer: Correct
She beat around the bush by singing a song at the start of her presentation.
Answer: Incorrect – Singing a song is not an example of avoiding a topic.
Master "Beat Around the Bush" with IDP
Understanding and using "beat around the bush" correctly not only helps you communicate more naturally but also boosts your score in IELTS Speaking. Just remember to use it in the right context for clarity.
If you plan to take the IELTS test, IDP offers both IELTS Academic and IELTS General on computer. With the One Skill Retake feature, you can improve just one skill without retaking the entire test—saving time and effort.
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