Meaning: To avoid talking directly about something; to delay.
Hindi: इधर-उधर की बातें करना
Synonyms: evade, stall, equivocate
Antonyms: be direct, get to the point
Asked in: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 · SSC CPO 2024 T-1 · SSC MTS 2024 · SSC MTS 2023 · SSC CGL 2022 T-1 · SSC CHSL 2021 T-1 · SSC GD 2021 T-1
beat around the bush in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Beat around the bush.Answer & explanation
Answer: C) To avoid talking about what is important.
The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "beat around the bush" is:
To avoid talking about what is important.
This idiom means to avoid addressing the main issue directly, often by talking about irrelevant things or being vague. - SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Beat around the bushAnswer & explanation
Answer: C) To avoid talking about what is important
The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Beat around the bush" is:
To avoid talking about what is important.
Explanation:
• The idiom "Beat around the bush" refers to avoiding the main topic or being indirect, often to delay addressing something difficult or uncomfortable.
• For example, someone might "beat around the bush" if they don't want to give a direct answer to a sensitive question.
Why the other options are incorrect:
• "To do something without any hesitation" is the opposite of beating around the bush, as it implies directness.
• "To take on a task that is way too big" is unrelated to the idiom.
• "To await an explanation" does not capture the idea of avoiding or delaying the mai - SSC MTS 2024 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Beat around the bushAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) To avoid getting to the point of an issue
Answer: To avoid getting to the point of an issue
Explanation:
The idiom "Beat around the bush" means to avoid talking about the main topic or issue directly, often by talking about irrelevant things.
(Hindi: मुद्दे की बात करने से बचना) – ✅ Correct meaning
Other options:
• To speak rashly – ❌ Incorrect
• To speak convincingly – ❌ Incorrect
• To speak abusively – ❌ Incorrect
So, "Beat around the bush" means to avoid getting to the point of an issue. - SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate idiomatic expression:
During the debate, he was clearly uncomfortable and kept trying to ___.Answer & explanation
Answer: C) beat around the bush
"Beat around the bush" means to avoid talking about what is important; to be indirect or evasive when discussing something difficult. The person was uncomfortable and kept avoiding the direct point — fitting "beat around the bush." Bite the bullet = endure pain stoically; Face the music = accept unpleasant consequences; Let the cat out of the bag = reveal a secret accidentally.
- SSC CGL 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Beat around the bushAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) Avoid the main point by talking in a roundabout way
Correct Answer: Avoid the main point by talking in a roundabout way
Explanation:
• The idiom “beat around the bush” means to avoid addressing the central issue directly.
• It involves talking in a roundabout way (परोक्ष रूप से बात करना), rather than getting straight to the point.
• Other options don’t capture this sense of indirectness:
• Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is not funny – unrelated motive
• Avoid using foul words to make someone uncomfortable – different context
• Avoid praising someone and demean – a different action altogether - SSC MTS 2023 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Beat around the bushAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) To avoid addressing a topic correctly
Answer: 2
Solution: The idiom "Beat around the bush" means to avoid talking about the main topic or to delay getting to the point (मुख्य विषय से बचना या बात को घुमाना).
Option 1 – To be impatient and short-tempered ❌: unrelated.
Option 3 – To be persistent in pursuing a goal ❌: opposite meaning.
Option 4 – To be direct and formal ❌: opposite meaning.
Hence, the correct meaning is: To avoid addressing a topic correctly.
Examples
- “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.”
beat around the bush – questions
What is the meaning of beat around the bush in Hindi?
beat around the bush means “इधर-उधर की बातें करना” in Hindi. In English: To avoid talking directly about something; to delay.
What are the synonyms of beat around the bush?
Synonyms of beat around the bush: evade, stall, equivocate.
What is the opposite of beat around the bush?
Antonyms of beat around the bush: be direct, get to the point.
Has beat around the bush been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – beat around the bush has been asked 10 times in SSC exams: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1, SSC CPO 2024 T-1, SSC MTS 2024, SSC MTS 2023, SSC CGL 2022 T-1, SSC CHSL 2021 T-1, SSC GD 2021 T-1.