Fig.: to try to evade an issue; to talk around an issue. To approach an issue in a roundabout w

You've been talking for two hours and you've said nothing. Stop beating around the bush and come to the point!

Hai parlato per due ore senza concludere niente. Smettila di menare il can per l'aia e vieni al dunque!

If you don't agree with my idea, just tell me right out, don't beat around the bush!

Se non sei d'accordo con la mia idea, dimmelo chiaramente, non menare il can per l'aia!

A common hunting practice back in the 15th century, would involve hunters and beaters. The beaters were hired people who would beat slightly around the edges of bushes to drive small animals out of them, thus allowing the hunters to see and get to them more easily