Someone who is beating around the bush is someone who avoids the main point.

He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.

Someone who isn't witty or sharp, but rather, they are ignorant, unintelligent, or senseless.

Italy is my favorite country; in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there next year.

When something is about to begin, get serious, or put to the test.

What was the person thinking when they discovered cow’s milk was fine for human consumption

I checked to make sure that he was still alive.