TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

BEAT AROUND BUSH [1 record]

Record 1 1994-05-12

English

Subject field(s)
  • Phraseology
DEF

To be careful, hesitant, evasive, to tergiversate.

CONT

Stop pussyfooting and get to the point.

OBS

From R. Chapman, American Slang, 1986, p.352).

Key term(s)
  • pussyfooting

French

Domaine(s)
  • Phraséologie
OBS

Dans la politique : ne pas prendre une attitude bien nette sur une question; donner une réponse évasive pour ne pas se compromettre.

OBS

tergiverser : User de détours, de faux-fuyants pour éviter de donner une réponse nette, pour retarder le moment de décision.

Spanish

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