To avoid answering the question asked
To reply a question in a manner which does not provide any clarity as to the answer of the question asked
Hence, to provide an answerve to a question
"So,what grade do you think my work will get?"
"Many people in the class are heading for the top band of grades"
"But what grade might mine get?"
"We need to look at the bigger picture here"
"NO WE DON'T!!! AAAAHHH!"