veiled implication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veiled implication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a suggestion or hint that is not directly stated but is subtly conveyed. Example: "Her comments about the project deadlines were a veiled implication that she expected everyone to work overtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Reports that the former president is now "cooperating" with the investigations of the Obama Transition are now flooding the news media characterizing the situation by the veiled implication that William Jefferson Clinton might be the leading suspect in a series of major international crimes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Last year's selection of President Obama as the peace laureate was interpreted by many as a thinly veiled rebuke to the politics of former President George W. Bush, and this year's award has had broad political implications.

The New York Times

Women are veiled.

The New York Times

Others wore veiled masks.

The New York Times

She too is veiled.

Yale University

But she is veiled.

Yale University

Every woman was veiled.

Columbia University

All the women were veiled.

The New Yorker

(And even that is veiled).

The New Yorker

Things were less veiled.

The New York Times

Everything about it breathes veiled discretion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veiled implication" when you want to convey a subtle suggestion or hint without explicitly stating it. This can be useful in persuasive writing or when discussing sensitive topics.

Common error

Avoid using "veiled implication" when a direct statement is more appropriate. Overusing subtlety can lead to confusion or misinterpretation by your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veiled implication" functions as a noun phrase where "veiled" modifies "implication". It describes the nature of the implication as being subtle or concealed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "veiled implication" describes a subtle or indirect suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English. Although relatively rare, its usage is versatile across news, academic discussions, and other formal communications. For clearer or more direct communication, consider alternatives such as "subtle insinuation" or "indirect suggestion". When using "veiled implication", be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure your audience can grasp the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veiled hint

Swaps "implication" to "hint" without changing the meaning of the phrase.

subtle insinuation

Replaces "implication" with "insinuation", emphasizing a more negative or underhanded suggestion.

indirect suggestion

Uses more straightforward language, replacing "veiled" with "indirect" for clarity.

implicit suggestion

Focuses on the unstated nature of the suggestion, using "implicit" instead of "veiled".

tacit understanding

Shifts the focus to a shared understanding that is not explicitly communicated.

unspoken hint

Emphasizes the subtle and unarticulated nature of the clue or suggestion.

underlying assumption

Highlights the base assumption which is not openly stated.

carefully worded statement

Highlights the intent to convey something without explicitly stating it

coded message

Emphasizes a discrete and disguised message or signal.

subliminal message

Conveys the message beneath the threshold of conscious awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "veiled implication" in a sentence?

You can use "veiled implication" to describe a suggestion or hint that is not directly stated but subtly conveyed. For example: "Her comments about the budget cuts were a veiled implication that some jobs might be at risk."

What is a similar phrase to "veiled implication"?

Alternatives to "veiled implication" include "subtle insinuation", "indirect suggestion", or "implicit suggestion", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "veiled implication" or a direct statement?

The choice depends on your audience and the context. A "veiled implication" can be useful when you want to be tactful or persuasive, while a direct statement is better when clarity is paramount.

What is the difference between "veiled implication" and "direct statement"?

A "veiled implication" is an indirect suggestion or hint, while a direct statement expresses something explicitly and unambiguously. The former leaves room for interpretation, while the latter does not.