Dodging the question 🏃♂️❓
Meaning
Avoiding answering a question directly, often by changing the subject or giving a vague response.
Origin
The imagery here is quite literal, conjuring the mental agility of a boxer or a street fighter. Think of a pugilist skillfully leaning back or stepping aside, a fraction of a second before a punch lands. The 'question' is the blow, and 'dodging' is the evasive maneuver. This phrase captures that sudden, quick movement to avoid direct impact. It emerged in the late 19th century, a period when boxing was gaining significant popularity and its terminology began to seep into everyday language. It’s a vivid metaphor for someone refusing to engage with a difficult inquiry, preferring a nimble sidestep over a direct confrontation.