beat the bushes for

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

Look everywhere for something or someone, as in I've been beating the bushes for a substitute but haven't had any luck . This term originally alluded to hunting, when beaters were hired to flush birds out of the brush. [1400s] Also see beat around the bush .

Word of the Day

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse