Beat the bushes for


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

Read Also:

  • Beat the bushes

    a low plant with many branches that arise from or near the ground. a small cluster of shrubs appearing as a single plant. something resembling or suggesting this, as a thick, shaggy head of hair. Also called bush lot. Canadian. a small, wooded lot, especially a farm lot with trees left standing to provide firewood, […]

  • Beat the clock

    Finish something or succeed before time is up, as in The paper went to press at five o’clock, and they hurried to beat the clock. The term comes from various sports or races in which contestants compete within a certain time limit.

  • Draw

    to cause to move in a particular direction by or as if by a pulling force; pull; drag (often followed by along, away, in, out, or off). to bring, take, or pull out, as from a receptacle or source: to draw water from a well. to bring toward oneself or itself, as by inherent force […]

  • Beat the drum

    a musical percussion instrument consisting of a hollow, usually cylindrical, body covered at one or both ends with a tightly stretched membrane, or head, which is struck with the hand, a stick, or a pair of sticks, and typically produces a booming, tapping, or hollow sound. any hollow tree or similar object or device used […]

  • Beat the meat

    Masturbate, as in He was always beating the meat. This term, considered vulgar slang, is used for males, since it uses meat in the sense of “penis,” a usage dating from the late 1500s.


Disclaimer: Beat the bushes for definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.