beat about the bush

To beat about the bush (or beat around the bush) means to avoid saying what you actually mean, but rather to talk around the subject and not get to the point.

In fact it comes from a hunting practice, where people (the beaters) would beat the bush to make the birds come out so that the hunters could then shoot them. So the beating was the action that preceded what everyone was waiting for.

The expression first appeared in a mediaeval poem in 1440, so it's pretty old, but it is still used frequently.

The following is a quote from a business guru giving advice on how to negotiate successfully:

Don't beat around the bush when negotiating. Be honest and straightforward and hold those you negotiate with to the same standards. You'll get more done, make better deals, and earn the reputation of an honest negotiator who is a straight shooter.

Interesting to note that he also uses another hunting term - to be a straight shooter - someone who says what he thinks. ..... it must be rather dangerous to sit at a negotiating table!