PhrasesHub

Beat the bushes

    Definitions

      • search rigorously or exhaustively
        To look for something or someone in a thorough and determined manner, often in a wide or extensive area or range of options

      • create a disturbance or commotion
        To cause a stir or commotion, typically with the intention of drawing attention away from something or someone else

      • to make an effort or attempt
        To exert effort or energy towards a goal or task, often with a sense of urgency or determination

      • to pursue or chase after something
        To actively pursue or chase after something or someone, often with a sense of urgency or determination

    Examples of Beat the bushes

    • The police are beating the bushes for any leads in the case.

      This idiom means to search thoroughly for something. In this example, the police are searching intensely for any clues or leads in the case. The phrase "beat the bushes" comes from the idea of shaking bushes to dislodge hidden animals, in this case, replacing "animals" with "leads".

    • The detective spent hours beating the bushes for any information that could help solve the case.

      This example shows that the detective was searching tirelessly for any information that could help solve the case. The phrase "beat the bushes" emphasizes the thoroughness of the search.

    • The sales team is beating the bushes to find new clients.

      This example shows that the sales team is searching diligently for new clients. The phrase "beat the bushes" highlights the intensity of the search.

    • The investigator beat the bushes until he found the missing witness.

      This example shows that the investigator searched tirelessly until he found the missing witness. The phrase "beat the bushes" emphasizes the persistence and thoroughness of the search.

    • The search party beat the bushes for days but couldn't find any sign of the missing hiker.

      This example shows that the search party searched intensely for days but couldn't find any sign of the missing hiker. The phrase "beat the bushes" highlights the exhaustive nature of the search.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "beat the bushes" is often used in a figurative sense to describe a thorough or exhaustive search for something or someone. This can refer to physical searching in a wide area, or searching through various options or possibilities. It can also be used to describe making a concerted effort or attempt towards a goal, or actively pursuing something with determination.

    In addition, the phrase can also be used to describe causing a disturbance or commotion, often with the intention of drawing attention away from something else. This usage of the idiom suggests a more deceptive or manipulative intention, as opposed to the more literal meanings of the phrase.

    Origin of "Beat the bushes"

    The origin of the idiom "beat the bushes" is believed to come from the practice of hunting game. Hunters would use sticks or branches to physically beat the bushes or underbrush in order to flush out any hidden prey. This physical action became associated with the idea of searching or pursuing something diligently and thoroughly.

    Over time, the idiom evolved to be used in a figurative sense, with the physical action of beating the bushes being replaced by a more general sense of searching or pursuing. Today, the idiom is commonly used in a variety of contexts to describe a determined and thorough effort towards a goal or task.