etwas durch die Blume sagen
Phrasal verb: to say something in a roundabout way
The phrase etw. durch die Blume sagen is a colloquial idiomatic expression that is used to refer to situations where someone says something in an indirect way.
The literal translation would be to say something through the flower. If you notice someone is talking to you in a roundabout way, you could respond with Vielen Dank für die Blumenwhich means I understood the hidden criticism.
Synonymous expressions:etwas verblümt sagen; (similar) um den heißen Brei herumreden [to beat around the bush]
Was man von den anderen hält, sagt man oft durch die Blume. = What one thinks of the others is often said in an indirect way.
Wer Missverständnisse vermeiden möchte, sollte nichts durch die Blume sagen, sondern offen ansprechen, was er meint und will. = If you wish to avoid misunderstandings, do not say anything in a veiled way, but speak openly about what you mean and want.
Daisies. Photo: Albrecht Fietz via Pixabay
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