veiled threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veiled threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or action that implies a threat without explicitly stating it, often in a subtle or indirect manner. Example: "His comment about the consequences of failure felt like a veiled threat, making everyone in the room uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Italy made a barely veiled threat along these lines this week.

The Economist

Mr. Zarif was by turns conciliatory and accusatory, offering at least one veiled threat.

The New York Times

The July message in Omar's name was also seen as a thinly veiled threat to Isis.

The Guardian

The note -- on appropriations committee stationery -- was criticized by Democrats as a thinly veiled threat to the court's pocketbook.

The New York Times

@Dranolds @NathanMyers open letter or veiled threat?

Huffington Post

This is a thinly veiled threat.

Vice

When I failed to register the vaguely veiled threat, he really let me have it.

Vice

So the National Mining Association, on behalf of its coal mining members, fired off a not even vaguely veiled threat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Another excerpt included a thinly-veiled threat of a trade war with China.

The Guardian

Faced with a thinly-veiled threat of civil war in the German areas, the government stood firm.

The New York Times

If not, he said in a not-so-veiled threat, "we'll put their hand there for them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “veiled threat” when you want to emphasize the subtlety and indirect nature of the threat. This is especially effective in political or interpersonal contexts where open aggression might be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "veiled threat" when the threat is explicit or direct; instead, choose language that accurately reflects the overt nature of the statement or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veiled threat" functions as a noun phrase that describes a type of threat. It refers to a threat that is not expressed directly but is communicated indirectly or subtly. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veiled threat" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term describing an indirect or subtly communicated threat. It’s frequently found in news and media contexts. The phrase is used to highlight the implicit nature of a threat, creating a sense of unease without explicit declarations. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is standard in English and our analysis confirms its widespread use in various reputable sources. Alternative phrases include "implicit threat", "subtle intimidation", and "thinly disguised threat". When using "veiled threat", ensure that the context implies an indirect threat, rather than an outright statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implicit threat

Emphasizes the indirect nature of the threat, where it's implied rather than stated explicitly.

veiled warning

Focuses on the warning aspect, suggesting an impending negative consequence communicated indirectly.

subtle intimidation

Highlights the act of making someone fearful or submissive in a delicate manner.

coded menace

Suggests the threat is disguised through a code or indirect language.

thinly disguised threat

Indicates that the threat is poorly concealed and easily recognizable.

indirect threat

A more general term, simply indicating that the threat isn't direct.

tacit threat

Implies the threat is understood without being openly expressed.

roundabout threat

Emphasizes the circuitous or indirect way the threat is conveyed.

unspoken threat

Highlights that the threat is communicated non-verbally or through implication.

implied coercion

Focuses on the aspect of forcing someone to act through indirect pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "veiled threat" to describe a situation where someone implies a threat without stating it directly. For example, "His comment about the company's future felt like a veiled threat to those who didn't meet their targets".

What's the difference between a "veiled threat" and an open threat?

A "veiled threat" is subtle and indirect, implying potential negative consequences without explicitly stating them. An open threat, on the other hand, is direct and explicit, leaving no doubt about the intention to cause harm or trouble.

What can I say instead of "veiled threat"?

You can use alternatives like "implicit threat", "subtle intimidation", or "thinly disguised threat" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to issue a "veiled threat"?

Yes, the phrase inherently carries a negative connotation. It suggests an intention to cause harm, create fear, or exert control, albeit in an indirect manner.