1 C1 idiomatic informal
to avoid discussing or dealing with something directly
"The report skates around the main cause of the accident."
inseparable
skate around
C1 informal inseparable transitive
to avoid dealing directly with a difficult subject or problem
In plain English
to avoid talking about the real problem
What does "skate around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to move on skates around something
Actually means
to avoid talking about the real problem
Usage tip
Less common than 'skate over' or 'dance around,' but understandable in context. Often used critically.
Words that pair with "skate around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
issue problem question truth topic
How to conjugate "skate around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
skate around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
skates around
he/she/it
Past simple
skated around
yesterday
Past participle
skated around
have + pp
-ing form
skating around
continuous
Hear "skate around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "skate around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "skate around"
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