talk around
1. To dodge or avoid speaking directly about something. He keeps talking around the issue of workplace morale whenever I bring it up with him during these meetings. I wish journalists wouldn't let these politicians talk around their questions like that.
2. To coax, cajole, or persuade someone to do or take part in something. I can't believe I let him talk me around to lending him my car for the weekend. Remember the reasons why you're quitting—don't let them talk you around!
talk around something
to talk, but avoid talking directly about the subject. You are just talking around the matter! I want a straight answer! He never really said anything. He just talked around the issue.
talk around
Also, talk round. Persuade, as in I talked him around to my point of view, or He had a hard time talking them round, but they finally agreed to postpone the tournament. Also see talk into.
talk around
v.1. To speak indirectly about something: The politician just talked around the issue and never answered the question.
2. To persuade someone of something: I talked them around to my point of view. They disagreed with me at first, but I talked them around.