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Beats Quote by Plautus

“It is a tiresome way of speaking, when you should despatch the business, to beat about the bush.” quote by Plautus — Download Open image

“It is a tiresome way of speaking, when you should despatch the business, to beat about the bush.”

About This Quote

Source Play: The Comedy of the Schoolgirls (Miles Gloriosus), 195 BC

Using a roundabout expression to criticize indirect speech; urging directness in communication.

In simple terms: Don’t waste time with indirect talk; be straightforward.

Key Takeaway

Speak plainly to avoid misunderstanding.

Themes

communication efficiency honesty clarity social interaction

Mood

pragmatic direct instructive

Type

advice philosophical cultural

When to use this quote

business meetings
personal relationships
political debates
customer service
conflict resolution

Key Concepts

rhetoric pragmatism cultural idiom

Questions to Reflect On

When is indirect speech more appropriate?
How can we balance clarity with respect?

A Different Perspective

Some cultures value indirectness for politeness, making directness risky.

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Beat Bush Beats Business Despatch Business Should Speaking Despatch Speech Tiresome Tiresome Way Way

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