To avoid getting to the main point of a conversation or to talk about unimportant things instead of addressing the issue directly.
The phrase originates from hunting, where hunters would beat around bushes to flush out game birds. Instead of directly catching the birds, they would make noise to scare them into moving. This evolved into the metaphorical meaning of avoiding direct conversation.
The phrase "Out of the mouths of babes (and sucklings)" ... Learn more →
The phrase means to act in accordance with the advice ... Learn more →
The phrase "Do not rock the boat" means to avoid ... Learn more →
The phrase "No news is good news" suggests that if ... Learn more →