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Etwas durch die Blume sagen

To say something indirectly and tactfully instead of stating it openly; to hint at it

In German

Etwas durch die Blume sagen

ET-vas doorkh dee BLOO-me ZAH-gen
Literal Translation
To say something through the flower
Meaning
To say something indirectly and tactfully instead of stating it openly; to hint at it.

Equivalent:"To drop a hint; to put something tactfully"

Origin:It is usually explained by the 'language of flowers', in which a message was conveyed through the choice of flowers instead of being spoken outright.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    Er hat mir durch die Blume gesagt, dass er mit meiner Arbeit unzufrieden ist.

    He hinted, tactfully, that he was unhappy with my work.

  2. 2

    Manchmal ist es besser, die Wahrheit durch die Blume zu sagen, um niemanden zu verletzen.

    Sometimes it's better to tell the truth in a tactful, roundabout way so as not to hurt anyone.

FAQ

How do you say "To say something indirectly and tactfully instead of stating it openly; to hint at it" in German?

"To say something indirectly and tactfully instead of stating it openly; to hint at it" in German is "Etwas durch die Blume sagen" (ET-vas doorkh dee BLOO-me ZAH-gen). Example: Er hat mir durch die Blume gesagt, dass er mit meiner Arbeit unzufrieden ist..

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