indirect expression
- noun
- /ˌɪnˈdaɪrɛkt ɪkˈsprɛʃən/
:
expresión indirecta
- Instead of saying she was fired, he used an indirect expression to say she was let go.
Examples
-
Often, indirect expressions are used to avoid offending someone.
-
Her preference for indirect expression sometimes made her comments difficult to interpret.
-
Her use of an indirect expression made her point clear.
-
Can you give me an example of an indirect expression?
-
Instead of saying she was fired, he used an indirect expression to say she was let go.
-
Often, indirect expressions are used to avoid offending someone.
-
Her preference for indirect expression sometimes made her comments difficult to interpret.
Synonyms
2
8.8
Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct
1
9.2
Using many words to avoid saying something directly
How Direct
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a way of conveying an idea or message without stating it directly' is directly derivable from combining 'indirect' (not direct) with 'expression' (a way of communicating). This adjective+noun composition is literal and follows standard semantic composition found across many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.
Etymology
Indirect expression comes from the image of saying something around the main point instead of saying it straight. Indirect means 'not straight' and expression means 'a way to say something', so the phrase refers to giving a message by hint or suggestion rather than saying it 'directly', often to avoid 'offending' someone.