beat around the bush (UK ALSO beat about the bush)
to avoid talking about what is important:
Don't beat around the bush - get to the point!

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

beat around the bush
beat about/around the bush
to avoid talking about a difficult or embarrassing subject because you are worried about upsetting the person you are talking to.
Don't beat around the bush. Just tell me where my brother is.
(usually negative)
There is no point in beating about the bush. I'm leaving you.

to avoid talking about what is important.
Quit beating around the bush and tell me what you really think about my idea.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

beat around the bush
to speak indirectly or evasively; to talk about something without giving a direct answer
"Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision."

The manager was beating around the bush and never really said anything important.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

beat around the bush
See: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH.
{v. phr.}, {slang} To talk about things without giving a clear answer; avoid the question or the point.
He would not answer yes or no, but beat about the bush.

He beat about the bush for a half hour without coming to the point.
Compare: BESIDE THE POINT. Contrast: COME TO THE POINT.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲