say in a roundabout way

say (something) in a roundabout (sort of) way

To imply or convey something in an indirect, vague, or evasive manner. I wish you would stop saying things in such a roundabout way and just make your point! Well, he didn't promise it to me outright—he said it in a roundabout sort of way.

See also: roundabout, say, way

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

say something in a roundabout way

to imply something without saying it; to say something indirectly; to speak using circumlocution. Why don't you say what you mean? Why do you always say something in a roundabout way? What did she mean? Why did she say it in a roundabout way?

See also: roundabout, say, way

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.