skirt² (also skirt around/round) verb [transitive]

1. to go around the outside edge of a place or area:
The old footpath skirts around the village.

2. to avoid talking about an important subject, especially because it is difficult or embarrassing – used to show disapproval:
a disappointing speech that skirted around all the main issues

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲