beating the bush

USAGE SUMMARY

"beating the bush" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to search for something or someone diligently or exhaustively. Example: The detective spent hours beating the bush for clues to solve the mysterious murder case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I don't believe in beating the bush".

The New Yorker

Our correspondent speaks of Palmella as "a deep diplomatist and intriguer, who is only beating the bush".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But we're not actively beating the bushes".

The New York Times

"We were quite literally beating the bushes," Dr. McClure said.

The New York Times

The Corrections Corporation says it is beating the bushes for inmates.

The New York Times

"As a personnel director, he was always beating the bushes.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm not out there beating the bushes.

The New York Times

(He says he is beating the bushes for Greek, Israeli and Lebanese bottles).

The New York Times

"Social Media was writing letters, making phone calls, beating the bushes.

The Guardian - Tech

But the Red Bulls brain trust does not seem at all interested in beating the bushes in Latin America.

The New York Times

At M.I.T., he says, "we don't have to go beating the bushes" to attract women applicants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beating the bush" to describe a situation where someone is actively and thoroughly searching for something, whether literally or figuratively. Ensure the context makes it clear that the search is diligent and comprehensive.

Common error

Avoid using "beating the bush" when you mean simply 'searching'. This phrase carries an idiomatic weight implying a somewhat frantic or exhaustive search, not a casual one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beating the bush" functions as an idiomatic expression. This means it has a figurative meaning different from the literal one. As Ludwig explains, it describes a thorough and diligent search.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beating the bush" is an idiomatic phrase that means to search for something thoroughly and diligently. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase, while grammatically correct, is relatively uncommon but appears across a range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. It’s important to distinguish it from "beating around the bush", which has the opposite meaning: to avoid the main topic. When writing, use "beating the bush" to emphasize the exhaustiveness of a search, and be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beating around the bush

Involves indirectness in communication, similar to avoiding a topic.

searching high and low

Emphasizes the thoroughness of a search, shifting the focus from avoidance to active seeking.

leaving no stone unturned

Stresses a comprehensive investigation, akin to a meticulous search.

pussyfooting around

Highlights the act of being hesitant or evasive in addressing a matter.

mincing words

Focuses on speaking indirectly or euphemistically to avoid offense.

beating the drum

Centers on promoting or advocating for something vigorously, a more active approach.

exploring every avenue

Highlights the process of trying various methods to achieve a goal.

pulling out all the stops

Underscores the use of every available resource or method to achieve a result.

hunting down

Focuses on actively seeking someone or something, implying persistence.

digging deep

Implies a thorough investigation or search, often for hidden information.

FAQs

What does "beating the bush" mean?

The phrase "beating the bush" means to search for something thoroughly and diligently, often in a literal sense of searching through dense undergrowth. It can also be used figuratively to describe a comprehensive search for information or solutions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "beating the bush"?

Use "beating the bush" when describing a situation where someone is actively and vigorously searching for something, leaving no place unexamined. It implies a determined effort to find what is hidden or difficult to locate. For a less frantic search, consider "searching high and low".

Is "beating the bush" the same as "beating around the bush"?

No, "beating the bush" and "beating around the bush" have different meanings. "Beating the bush" means searching thoroughly, while "beating around the bush" means avoiding the main topic or point.

What are some alternative ways to say "beating the bush" when searching for something?

Alternatives to "beating the bush" include "leaving no stone unturned", "exploring every avenue", or simply saying "searching thoroughly" or "investigating comprehensively".