veiled insinuation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veiled insinuation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a suggestion or hint that is not openly stated, often implying something negative or critical. Example: "Her comments were filled with veiled insinuation, suggesting that he was not fit for the job without saying it outright."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The thinly veiled insinuation that those with "homophobic impulses" are likely to be Muslim and or Asian, is incredibly offensive.

The Guardian - Opinion

The store offered me a full refund.GUY BELLAIRS MadeiraWHOs researchSIR—The Economist makes a thinly veiled insinuation (March 14th) that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has, in some way, tried to conceal the truth of the impact of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

The Economist

There was, however, a veiled insinuation from my family (and indeed, I felt it myself) that the "project" was actually a form of barely disguised nervous breakdown, which would end with me barricaded in the attic, surrounded by jam jars full of toenail clippings and urine, colour coding my junk mail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I wonder how I made it here as a productive and peaceful citizen of this country, given the thinly veiled insinuations by the Donald Trump campaign that behind every Muslim immigrant is a dormant terrorist.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, as several (left-liberal) bloggers point out, the picture of Hague with his adviser and veiled insinuations first surfaced at the Mail on Sunday on 21 August.

The Guardian - Opinion

When her husband ran for President in 2008, there were barely veiled insinuations about whether the role of First Lady was really right for her — whether she was too angry, or could really feel comfortable.

The New Yorker

Women are veiled.

The New York Times

Others wore veiled masks.

The New York Times

(And even that is veiled).

The New Yorker

All the women were veiled.

The New Yorker

Martha went around veiled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veiled insinuation" when you want to describe a suggestion or accusation that is not expressed directly, but implied subtly. Ensure the context makes the implied meaning clear to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "veiled insinuation" when the suggestion or accusation is already clear. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veiled insinuation" functions as a noun phrase, where "veiled" modifies the noun "insinuation". Ludwig AI indicates that it serves to describe a subtle, indirect suggestion or hint, typically implying something negative or critical. The examples show its use in describing remarks, accusations, and implications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veiled insinuation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a subtle and indirect suggestion or hint, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using "veiled insinuation", ensure that the implied meaning is clear from the surrounding context and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternative phrases include "subtle implication" and "indirect suggestion", offering similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subtle implication

Focuses more on the indirect nature of the suggestion, omitting the sense of being concealed.

Indirect suggestion

Emphasizes the roundabout manner of the suggestion, rather than its hidden nature.

Implicit accusation

Highlights the accusatory nature that is implied rather than stated outright.

Disguised hint

Focuses on the disguise aspect, implying the hint is hidden but present.

Oblique reference

Stresses the indirectness and deviation from the main point in making a reference.

Tacit suggestion

Highlights the unspoken nature of the suggestion, emphasizing understanding without direct communication.

Underlying implication

Focuses on the implied meaning beneath the surface, subtly conveyed but not explicit.

Circumlocutory imputation

Stresses the roundabout and verbose manner in which something is attributed or assigned.

Covert allegation

Emphasizes the concealed and secretive nature of the allegation being made.

Hint with reservation

Indicates a hint given with some hesitation or qualification, not stated fully or confidently.

FAQs

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

You can use "veiled insinuation" to describe a situation where someone hints at something without saying it directly. For example, "Her comments were filled with veiled insinuation, suggesting he was not competent."

What's the difference between "veiled insinuation" and "direct accusation"?

"Veiled insinuation" implies a subtle, indirect suggestion, while a "direct accusation" is an open and explicit statement of blame or wrongdoing.

What are some alternatives to "veiled insinuation"?

You can use alternatives such as "subtle implication", "indirect suggestion", or "implicit accusation" depending on the context.

Is "veiled insinuation" a formal or informal expression?

"Veiled insinuation" is a somewhat formal expression, best suited for news, academic writing, or professional communication. It might sound out of place in casual conversation.