拐弯抹角
Idiomguǎi wān mò jiǎo
Description
“拐弯抹角”是说一个人说话不直接，不马上说重点，而是绕来绕去。
"拐弯抹角" means someone doesn't speak directly or get to the point, but goes around in circles.
如果你想让别人快点明白，最好别拐弯抹角，直接说就好。
If you want others to understand quickly, it's best not to 拐弯抹角 and just speak directly.
Meanings
拐弯抹角guǎi wān mò jiǎo
to speak in a roundabout, indirect way
你别拐弯抹角了，直接告诉我吧。
Don't beat around the bush; just tell me directly.
拐弯抹角guǎi wān mò jiǎo
full of twists and turns; winding (of a road)
这条山路拐弯抹角，很难走。
This mountain road is winding and hard to walk.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
literally 'turn corners and skirt angles', from navigating a winding path, extended to indirect speech.
- Nuance
usually negative, implying impatience; opposite of 开门见山 (get straight to the point).
In videos
“不必拐弯抹角的”
Images