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oblique

Adjective

IPA /əˈbliːk/

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Meaning in plain English

Expressed indirectly rather than plainly or openly.

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Pronunciation

oblique/əˈbliːk/

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Please empty the bin
That bin is overflowing again

An oblique request hints at what is wanted rather than asking directly.

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Examples in context

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Her comment about the overflowing bin was an oblique request for help.
The report made an oblique reference to the team's earlier mistakes.

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Her comment about the overflowing bin was an ________ request for help.

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oblique — Expressed indirectly rather than plainly or openly.

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Expressed indirectly rather than plainly or openly.

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Word origin

From Latin obliquus, meaning slanting or indirect.

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An oblique reference hints at something without naming it directly.

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