Skirted

To move swiftly around or along the edge of something to avoid it; to evade or avoid (a subject or question); to border or be situated along the edge of something. This encompasses physical avoidance, as in bypassing an obstacle, and metaphorical avoidance, such as circumventing a difficult topic. It implies a deliberate act to steer clear, suggesting both a physical or intellectual maneuver to avoid direct engagement. The action often implies the preservation of a route or subject to some external or pre-conceived influence. It further evokes a sense of maintaining distance, whether physically or conceptually, implying the act of staying at or along the outer edge, to 'skirt' is to avoid the core of whatever is concerned.

Skirted meaning with examples

• The hikers Skirted around the treacherous, icy slopes, choosing a safer, longer route to avoid the risk of an avalanche. They prioritized safety over directness. This demonstrated the use of their experience and judgement of the weather conditions to skirt the treacherous slopes.
• During the interview, the politician skillfully Skirted around the controversial questions regarding their past decisions, opting to focus on their future plans. They didn't want to draw any unwanted attention or make an undesirable impression and deftly Skirted the questions.
• The river Skirted the town, providing a natural boundary on one side and creating picturesque scenery along the outskirts. The waters were tranquil, and often used as a popular tourist destination that Skirted the town.
• The car Skirted the massive traffic jam by taking a series of backroads, ultimately arriving on time despite the initial blockage. The driver was able to skillfully and safely skirt the traffic, making good time.
• In their negotiations, the union representatives constantly Skirted the crucial issue of salary increases, hoping to achieve an agreement before having to address the contentious point. They felt that this approach gave them a greater degree of control over the outcome by skirting the contentious issue.