beating around the bush crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "beating around the bush crossword," you've come to the right place. This page offers a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you master this common crossword idiom.
Solutions for "beating around the bush crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
HEDGE: To avoid making a direct answer or commitment, often by using ambiguous language. This aligns perfectly with the idea of not getting straight to the point.
EVADE: To escape or avoid (someone or something), especially by cunning or trickery. When one evades a question, they are 'beating around the bush'.
10 Letters
CIRCUITOUS: (Of a route or journey) longer than the most direct way. Metaphorically, a circuitous conversation 'beats around the bush'.
11 Letters
PREVARICATE: Speak or act in an evasive way. This word directly describes the act of being indirect or misleading, a core meaning of the idiom.
More About "beating around the bush crossword"
The idiom "beating around the bush" means to discuss a topic without coming to the point; to speak in an evasive or indirect manner. In crosswords, clues based on this idiom test your understanding of figurative language and your ability to find precise synonyms for indirectness. Such clues are a common feature in puzzles of all difficulties, requiring solvers to think beyond literal interpretations.
Historically, the phrase is thought to originate from gamekeepers beating around the bushes to flush out birds or animals for hunting, avoiding the direct act of killing or capturing the game itself. This indirect approach to reaching a goal is what the idiom signifies in everyday language and, consequently, in crossword puzzles. Recognizing this type of clue is key to unlocking many tricky solutions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand the Idiom: Before jumping to solutions, take a moment to fully grasp the figurative meaning of the idiom. What does "beating around the bush" truly imply about speech or action?
- Consider Synonyms for Indirectness: Once you understand the idiom, brainstorm words that mean evasive, indirect, rambling, or avoiding the main point. Common answers like HEDGE, EVADE, and PREVARICATE are good starting points.
- Pay Attention to Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most important guide. Use it to narrow down your list of potential synonyms quickly and accurately.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: Sometimes, the first few letters from an intersecting word can give you the vital hint needed to confirm an answer for an idiomatic clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "beating around the bush" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'beating around the bush' typically refers to clues that hint at avoiding directness, speaking indirectly, or delaying in getting to the point. Answers will often be synonyms for evasiveness or indirect actions.
Are there common synonyms for "beating around the bush" that appear as crossword answers?
Yes, common answers include HEDGE, EVADE, PREVARICATE, EQUIVOCATE, or even phrases like BE INDIRECT. The key is to think about actions or speech that circumvent the main topic.
How can I identify idiomatic clues like this?
Look for phrases rather than single words. These often signal an idiomatic expression whose meaning needs to be interpreted. Once recognized, think of single words or shorter phrases that capture the idiom's essence. The letter count is always a crucial hint.