bat away

verb4

1. •
   To knock an object, usually a ball, away from oneself.

   • The ball can still be batted away with one or both hands. It can be batted from a player's hands or batted away during a shot.
2. •
   To avoid by diverting the focus of a discussion.

   • For his part, Hank Paulson, the US Treasury Secretary - asked about the impact of US energy policies on food prices on Friday - tried to bat away the question. — 2008
3. •
   (US) To use one's own judgment to aggressively swing at pitches, rather than following a coaches instructions.
4. •
   (US, slang) To use any means to take the money of participants in a circus gaming attraction.