skirt the issue
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- evadeEscape by cunning
- sidestepEvade by moving aside
- avoidStay away from
- deflectTurn from course
tiptoe · hedge · evasive · circumvent · skate around · beat around the bush · vague · elusive · slippery · uncomfortable · elephant in the room · awkward · misdirect · stall · stonewall · dismiss · gloss over · brush aside
directness of engagement
skirt the issueget to the point
Speak directly now
cut to the chase · come to grips with · grasp the nettle · take the bull by the horns · lay it on the line