You go somewhere in a "round about" way when you follow a path that is not the most direct. Example: "That taxi ride was a bit round about, don't you think?" You do something in a round about way when your methods are not the most exact. Example: "Well, I am not an expert, but I can do it in a round about way." "Round about" describes something done in a way that is not the most direct. Example: "Well, I know how to get there in a round about way, but maybe we should check the map."