Rob: Ah, I love the outdoors! And this is the perfect spot for us to start our camping adventure, Li.

Li: Oh... yes... nature, Rob. You said this camping trip was an invitation I couldn't refuse. Well, I really couldn't as you were so insistent...

Rob: Well, we can put the tent over there, next to that bush...

Li: It would be a good place if it wasn't so close to an ant nest...

Rob: ...and we can light a fire near that rock...

Li: ...the wind might put out the fire...

What could be lurking behind the bush?

Rob: It's just a breeze.

Li: But it's bringing in the clouds. It's going to rain...

Rob: Li, nothing seems to please you, does it? Are you trying to tell me something?

Li: Well, the thing is...

Rob: Yes? What's the problem Li?

Li: It's just that the tent is a bit small and... well... you know what I mean…

Rob: Li, I don't know what you mean! Now just come on, just tell me what's wrong - don't beat around the bush!

Li: Beat around the bush? I'm not even touching the bush.

Rob: I know. In English, when you tell someone not to 'beat around the bush' you're telling them to stop avoiding saying things directly.

Li: 明白了。在英语里如果有人对你说不要 'beat around the bush' 意思就是不要说话拐弯抹角。

Rob: Let's hear some examples.

Rob: OK, now you know. So Li, stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is.

Li: The problem is: I hate camping!

Rob: Why didn't you say that before?

Li: You were so enthusiastic, I couldn't say "no" to your invitation.

Rob: I'm sorry, Li.

Li: And I'm sorry for beating around the bush. I should have just told you.

(Sound coming from the bush)

Li: And by the look of things we are both going to be sorry if we don't run to the car and get the hell out of here!

(A roar)

Rob: Oh there is a bear just behind the bush!

Li: A bear?! Let's run, Rob! Bye.

Rob: And it sounds like a really big bear! Let's go! Bye.

Li: Bye. a