The phrase "going around the barn" is a colloquial expression used to describe taking a long, circuitous route or taking extra time to do something. There are many synonyms for this phrase, including beating around the bush, taking the scenic route, going the long way, taking the indirect route, going off on a tangent, and meandering. Each of these phrases implies a similar idea of taking a roundabout path, rather than addressing an issue directly or taking the most efficient route. By using these synonyms, speakers can convey a similar sense of exasperation or frustration without relying on the same tired phrase.