veiled message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veiled message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a message that is not directly stated but is implied or hidden beneath the surface. Example: "The politician's speech contained a veiled message about his true intentions regarding the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

#Greece #eurovision A thinly veiled message from #Germany to Greece about the Euro?

Independent

Mr Obama stayed within the realms of diplomacy, but his thinly veiled message to Mr Xi (pronounced "Shee") in the Oval Office was that China needs to do more to reassure the world that it will be a force for good in the coming decades.

The Telegraph

They also had a major hit with the children's song "Puff (the Magic Dragon)," which at one time was accused of containing a thinly veiled message about marijuana.

Los Angeles Times

Scott points to a thinly veiled message for the government on the track "1,2,3" by Saitana on Next Stop Soweto Vol. 4: "1,2,3 – your turn is over / 4,5,6 – our turn has started".

Vice

They also came armed with a veiled message of resolve.

The New York Times

Across India Mr Advani preached a thinly veiled message of communal hate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"All of a sudden you get all these veiled messages, frankly, that were racist," Mrs. Clinton said of the convention.

The New York Times

They had to be content to sit in a special sealed room, soak in information that they said appalled and frightened them, then offer veiled messages that were largely ignored.

The New York Times

Celebrities including Yao Chen, who has over 32 million followers on Weibo, and Li Bingbing, with over 19 million, posted veiled messages of support for Southern Weekly.

Vice

Rock and Roll Love Affair, a barely veiled religious message wrapped up in a romance, is the most blatant, directly lifting the synth riff from Purple Rain's Take Me With U, and even the way he phrases the line "That's when the stars collide" consciously echoes "That's when I saw her …" from Raspberry Beret.

The Guardian - Music

There is a thinly veiled companion message: Fears that China will surpass the United States and challenge its world leadership are over-blown.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "veiled message", ensure the context provides enough clues for the audience to interpret the hidden meaning. A successful veiled message hints at the intended meaning without stating it directly, inviting the reader to infer the message.

Common error

Avoid making the "veiled message" too obscure. If the message is so subtle that it's easily missed or misinterpreted, it loses its effectiveness and may confuse the audience. Strive for a balance where the message is discernible but not overt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veiled message" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a message characterized by its indirectness or hidden meaning. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts, highlighting its adaptability in conveying subtle communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "veiled message" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an indirect or hidden communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It finds frequent application across news, science, and business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context offers sufficient clues for interpretation, while avoiding excessive obscurity. Alternatives like "implied message" or "subtle message" can add nuance. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the indirectness, the concealment, or the understatement of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implied message

Focuses on the indirect suggestion of the message, rather than its concealment.

hidden message

Emphasizes that the message is intentionally concealed or obscured.

subtle message

Highlights the understated nature of the message's delivery.

indirect communication

Broadly describes the act of conveying a message without being explicit.

oblique reference

Suggests the message is alluded to tangentially or indirectly.

coded signal

Implies a prearranged system of communication, understood by a select few.

unspoken implication

Focuses on the message being understood without explicit expression.

tacit understanding

Highlights a shared understanding that doesn't require explicit communication.

underlying meaning

Emphasizes the deeper, less obvious significance of the communication.

insinuated remark

Suggests the message is conveyed through subtle hints or suggestions.

FAQs

What does "veiled message" mean?

A "veiled message" is a message that is not stated directly but is implied or hidden beneath the surface. It requires the audience to interpret the underlying meaning.

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

You can use "veiled message" to describe a communication that is intentionally indirect or subtle, such as "The politician's speech contained a "veiled message" about his plans to raise taxes".

What can I say instead of "veiled message"?

You can use alternatives like "implied message", "hidden message", or "subtle message" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "veiled message" and "direct message"?

A "veiled message" is indirect and requires interpretation, while a "direct message" is explicit and straightforward, leaving no room for ambiguity.