beat the bushes

phrase

: to search thoroughly through all possible areas

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of beat the bushes was in 1886

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Style

“Beat the bushes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beat%20the%20bushes. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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beat the bushes

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