Beat around the bush
(PW) avoid giving a clear answer
I didn’t want to hurt his feelings and tell him that he wasn’t selected for the team. So when he asked me if I had any information, I basically beat around the bush.
(MW)
beat about the bush or beat around the bush : to fail or refuse to come to the point in discourse
(thePhraseFinder)
Meaning
To prevaricate and avoid coming to the point.
Origin
The figurative meaning we have for this phrase has evolved from the earlier meaning, which was more literal. In bird hunting some participants roused the birds by beating the bushes while others caught them in nets. So, 'beating about the bush' was the preamble to the actual capture. Of course, grouse hunting and other forms of hunt still use beaters today.
The phrase is old and first appears in 'Generydes - a romance in seven-line stanzas', circa 1440:
"Some bete the bussh and some the byrdes take."
Even at that early date the implication that 'beating about the bush' was thought a rather peripheral activity is clear. Of course, the fact that the USA has had two presidents called Bush in recent years has given journalists the opportunity to give the phrase a new lease of life.
(dictionary)
beat around or about the bush, to avoid coming to the point; delay in approaching a subject directly: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
(freedicitonary)
beat around the bush and beat about the bush
Fig. to avoid answering a question; to stall; to waste time. Stop beating around the bush and answer my question. Let's stop beating about the bush and discuss this matter.
(goEnglish)
Beating Around The Bush ( talking about something indirectly ... )
You are "beating around the bush" when you talk about things indirectly, not stating exactly what you mean. Example: "Why don't you just come out and say what you want to say? Stop beating around the bush." When you ask questions or hint at things without being clear about what you mean, you are beating around the bush. Example: "If you want to ask me, just ask; don't beat around the bush." Example: "We haven't talked about it directly; we've been beating around the bush."
