water around the boulder
Wanting to avoid answering a particular question or speaking about a particular subject, but still trying to be respectful enough to give an honest answer, even if it is a little bullshit.
Even though there are still 10 weeks left in the 2018-2019 NFL season, will Patrick Mahomes be the league MVP? "He's doing a good job but still has a lot to learn. Also, I know you had to ask that question so I'm just trying to put some water around the boulder.