dance around the subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dance around the subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is avoiding directly addressing a topic or issue, often in a conversation or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, she danced around the subject of budget cuts, never directly addressing the concerns raised by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But Susan freed us up from having to dance around the subject and just call it what it really was".

The New York Times

The Jets confiscated the camera and reported the Patriots to the N.F.L. Mangini continued to dance around the subject Wednesday, calling it a "league issue".

The New York Times - Sports

After Irving made his flat-Earth remark, he subsequently seemed to dance around the subject, implying that the whole thing was a joke.

The New Yorker

Wayne Chrebet did not show up in the locker room again today when reporters were permitted in, but he did manage to dance around the subject of Johnson when he made a prescheduled appearance on WFAN radio.

The New York Times - Sports

Say what you really mean instead of trying to dance around the subject or be passive aggressive.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We'd kind of danced around the subject.

Independent

The energy select committee, shamefully, also danced around the subject of national security.

The Guardian - Business

She said, however, that he danced around the subject of love, saying things like he loved spending time with her.

The New York Times

A former State Department official recalls a social gathering where he danced around the subject with the British Ambassador, Sir Kim Darroch.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday, at his annual State of the Masters speech and subsequent press conference, your chairman, Billy Payne, danced around the subject.

The New York Times

He dances around the subject, speculates, muses aloud, and when he's challenged ("Are you actually talking about this?"), he says he's just talking about "an idea" — until he isn't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dance around the subject" when you want to emphasize someone's deliberate attempt to avoid a direct or uncomfortable discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "dance around the subject" when someone is simply being unclear or indirect without intentionally avoiding a specific topic. The phrase implies a conscious effort to evade.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dance around the subject" functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes the action of avoiding a direct discussion or answer, often due to discomfort or sensitivity. Ludwig examples show it's used to depict evasiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dance around the subject" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of avoiding a direct discussion. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, primarily in news and media. Related phrases include "beat around the bush" and "skirt the issue". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deliberate attempt to evade a topic, rather than simple indirectness. The phrase has a neutral register and can be found in numerous authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beat around the bush

Refers to avoiding the main point by speaking indirectly.

skirt the issue

Implies avoiding a topic without directly addressing it.

evade the question

Suggests actively avoiding answering a specific question.

dodge the topic

Indicates a quick or evasive avoidance of a subject.

sidestep the matter

Suggests skillfully avoiding a difficult or sensitive topic.

hedge about the issue

Implies avoiding commitment or clarity by using ambiguous language.

equivocate on the subject

Means using vague language to conceal the truth or avoid making a firm statement.

pussyfoot around the problem

Indicates acting cautiously or timidly to avoid confronting an issue directly.

circumlocute the question

Implies speaking in a roundabout way, often to avoid a direct answer.

avoid the main point

Directly states the act of not addressing the central idea.

FAQs

What does it mean to "dance around the subject"?

To "dance around the subject" means to avoid directly addressing a particular topic, often because it is sensitive, uncomfortable, or controversial. It implies speaking evasively or indirectly.

What can I say instead of "dance around the subject"?

You can use alternatives like "beat around the bush", "skirt the issue", or "evade the question" depending on the context.

How to use "dance around the subject" in a sentence?

You can say, "Instead of addressing the problem directly, they chose to "dance around the subject", avoiding any real commitment." or "The politician "danced around the subject" of tax increases during the interview."

Is it better to "dance around the subject" or address it directly?

Whether to "dance around the subject" or address it directly depends on the situation. Sometimes, indirectness can be more diplomatic, but often, directness is more effective in achieving clarity and resolution. It is important to consider the audience and the potential consequences of each approach.