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Discover LudwigThe phrase "subtle reference to" is correct and usable in written English
It can be used when indicating a discreet or indirect mention of something within a text or conversation. Example: "The author makes a subtle reference to historical events that shaped the character's motivations."
Exact(37)
Many of the works make subtle reference to Ai's situation.
The admonition was couched in a masterly, subtle reference to the Tiananmen Square disaster.
There is a similar albeit more subtle reference to the alter ego in Gary Hill's "Standing Apart".
His cookbooks make subtle reference to the canned foods and unhappy aunts and grief of his childhood.
She went on to make subtle reference to an argument Galloway picked with a brewery in his former constituency.
"I don't think we can outbid your current boss," he replied, a subtle reference to his "God's work" comment.
Similar(23)
He referred to himself ironically as a "so-called judge," a not-so-subtle reference to President Donald Trump's dismissive remarks about a federal judge who issued a nationwide temporary injunction last week against the president's executive order on immigration and refugee resettlement.
"Which one?" Mr. Huckabee asked, a not-so-subtle reference to Mr. Romney's reputation for changing his mind on issues.
Dynasty was originally called Oil A not-so-subtle reference to the fact that the show was American network ABC's answer to CBS's Dallas.
Bulgaria-based Allterco is marketing a home controller called She, a not-so-subtle reference to the software from the 2013 movie Her.
But across the country on Wall Street, three young, successful hedge fund traders nicknamed her "the Poohster," a not-so-subtle reference to the fictional bear.
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com