To be evasive when questioned as to whether you've been drinking, or when asked if you have an alcoholproblem.
It's unfortunate dat da inebriated Ethan Couch wasn't pulled over prior to his crashing into those other vehicles, or said accident might never have happened, since da cop would have seen dat he was very definitely "half in da bag" and prevented him from driving any further... Ethan would likely have performed a classic "beat around the Busch" routine, though, if a cop had asked him if he'd "had a few" that night.
Meaning: Get staight to the point.
Origin: This saying originated in the 15th century when men started using it to describe that they souldn't masterbate or "beat" when a "bush" or vagina is around. Instead, they should just "get to the point" and have sexual intercousre.
Bob: "Well ... I kinda ... maybe ... sorta ..."
Jim: "Don't beat around the bush and just tell me!"
Jon: "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Josh: "True that!"