Beat about the bush
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Indirectness
Used when someone doesn't want to discuss something directly or give a straight answer. 
When I asked if he'd taken my book, he started beating about the bush.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoiding Confrontation
People might 'beat about the bush' to avoid confrontations or uncomfortable topics. 
He kept beating about the bush instead of admitting his mistake.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal
It's an informal phrase, more likely to be used in personal conversations than formal writing. 
In our meeting, she didn't beat about the bush and asked for a raise directly.