stop beating around the bush

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop beating around the bush" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when someone is talking about a situation that is difficult to discuss but needs to be addressed. For example: "Let's stop beating around the bush, what do you really think about the proposal?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Let's Get It On" climbs to powerful emotional heights on simple repeated chords, with Gaye's clear tenor singing lyrics that are direct and unmistakable: Don't you know how sweet and wonderful life can be I'm asking you baby to get it on with me I ain't gonna worry, I ain't gonna push So come on baby, stop beating around the bush Let's get it on.

The New York Times - Arts

Newly inspired by his words, I decided to stop beating around the bush and take some photos of boys cuming.

Vice

It's time to stop beating around the bush and tell Congress and wind energy investors that Americans want clean, wind energy and our energy policies should reflect that.

Huffington Post

I know this sounds a bit radical, but why don't the Dodgers just stop beating around the bush and rename the team "The L.A. Sugar Kings" and fully embrace their true Cuban roots.

Los Angeles Times

In Music World, the assorted denizens of the City of Syrup finally stop beating around the bush and get Trace up on some of that lean/ purple drank/ sizzurp/ oil/ Texas Tea/ etc. From SXSW we've got Brooklyn faves Boris lumbering through their bulldozer of a set.

Vice

Stop beating around the bush.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Last week, after another very casual gooch show, I finally stopped beating around the proverbial bush and got the test set up.

Vice

Last week though after another very casual gooch show, I finally stopped beating around the proverbial bush and got the test set up.

Vice

"Why beat around the bush?" I asked if he now had any second thoughts.

The New Yorker

We came from hard-core, no beating-around-the-bush, direct, honest-values places.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of beating around the bush, actually end the call.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop beating around the bush" when you want to urge someone to address the central issue directly, especially when they are being evasive or indirect.

Common error

Avoid using "stop beating around the bush" in situations where tact and diplomacy are crucial. Directness can be perceived as rude or insensitive in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop beating around the bush" functions as an imperative, urging the listener to cease indirect communication and address the core issue directly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used when a difficult topic needs to be addressed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop beating around the bush" is an idiomatic phrase used to encourage directness and honesty in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it addresses situations where difficult topics require addressing. While grammatically correct and generally acceptable, its usage is best suited for informal or neutral contexts. When analyzing authoritative sources, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the potential for misinterpretation or offense. If you wish to avoid using the phrase, you can resort to other options such as "get to the point" or "be direct".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get to the point

This alternative is a more concise and straightforward way of asking someone to be direct.

cut to the chase

This alternative is a more informal and vivid way of asking someone to skip the preliminaries and get to the main issue.

be direct

This alternative is a simpler and more general way of asking for straightforward communication.

speak plainly

This emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in communication.

stop equivocating

This is a more formal way of asking someone to stop using ambiguous language to avoid committing to a particular position.

lay it on the line

This alternative is an informal phrase that implies being honest and direct, even if it's uncomfortable.

get down to brass tacks

This alternative means to focus on the essential details or practical aspects of something.

don't mince words

This alternative is a way to encourage someone to speak frankly, even if it's potentially offensive.

call a spade a spade

This is an idiomatic expression that means to speak directly and honestly about something, even if it's unpleasant.

come clean

This phrase suggests revealing the truth or confessing something that has been hidden.

FAQs

What does "stop beating around the bush" mean?

It means to stop avoiding the main topic and start talking about it directly and honestly.

How can I use "stop beating around the bush" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "Let's "get to the point"; stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened."

What are some alternatives to saying "stop beating around the bush"?

Alternatives include phrases like "cut to the chase", "be direct", or "speak plainly".

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "stop beating around the bush"?

No, it's not always appropriate. It can come across as rude or impatient, especially if the other person is trying to be tactful or is uncomfortable with the topic. Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using this phrase.