旁敲侧击 indirection
Explanation
比喻说话、写文章不直接点明，而是从侧面曲折地加以讽刺或抨击。
It is a metaphor for speaking or writing without directly stating the point, but indirectly satirizing or criticizing it.
Origin Story
战国时期，赵国有个大臣叫蔺相如，他因为完璧归赵而被封为上卿。后来，秦王想羞辱他，派人送来一封信，信中言语刻薄，暗示蔺相如能力不行，应该降职。蔺相如看了信后，并没有直接反驳，而是通过种种举动，暗中讽刺秦王，比如送礼、请客等，让秦王明白他的才能和地位不可动摇。秦王见蔺相如不卑不亢，反而处处维护自己的尊严，最终也只好作罢，放弃了羞辱他的想法。这个故事体现了蔺相如的智慧和胆识，同时也说明了在面对挑衅时，有时旁敲侧击比正面冲突更有效。
During the Warring States period, there was a minister in the state of Zhao named Lin Xiangru. He was promoted to the highest rank after successfully returning the precious jade seal to Zhao. Later, the King of Qin wanted to humiliate him and sent a letter filled with harsh words, suggesting that Lin Xiangru was incompetent and should be demoted. Lin Xiangru didn’t directly refute it, instead he used various actions to indirectly satirize the King of Qin, such as giving gifts and hosting banquets, to show the King that his ability and status were unshakeable. The King of Qin, seeing that Lin Xiangru remained neither subservient nor arrogant but defended his dignity, had no choice but to give up his plan to humiliate him. This story reflects the intelligence and courage of Lin Xiangru, and also shows that when facing provocation, sometimes indirect actions can be more effective than a head-on conflict.
Usage
用于形容说话或写文章不直接点明，而是从侧面曲折地表达意思。
Used to describe the situation where someone does not directly state something, but expresses their meaning indirectly in a roundabout way.
Examples
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他总是旁敲侧击地打听我的消息。
tā zǒngshì páng qiāo cè jī de dǎtīng wǒ de xiāoxī。
He always tries to find out my news indirectly.
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记者们旁敲侧击地询问总统的看法。
jì zhě men páng qiāo cè jī de xúnwèn zǒng tóng de kànfǎ。
Reporters indirectly asked the president's opinion.
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他说话总是旁敲侧击，让人摸不着头脑。
tā shuōhuà zǒngshì páng qiāo cè jī， ràng rén mō bù zhǎo tóu nǎo。
He always speaks indirectly, making people confused