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Difference between Beat about the bush and Beat the bush

admin Confusing Phrases

beat about the bush—(also: beat around the bush) approach the subject indirectly; refuse to come to the point:

  • Why should you beat about the bush when asking for better wages?

beat the bush —(also: beat the bushes)

1. search through all likely areas:

  • Pennsylvania hunters have been accustomed to beating the bush in search of bucks.

2. try hard to get or achieve smth.:

  • A few years ago everyone was beating the bushes for top properties in Santiago.