adverb
indirectly; without directly mentioning; in a roundabout way
Used when hinting at something or conveying a message without stating it explicitly. Often appears with verbs of saying, asking, or suggesting.
彼はそれとはなしに、転職を考えていることをほのめかした。
He hinted indirectly that he was thinking of changing jobs.
それとはなしに聞いてみたが、はっきりした返事はもらえなかった。
I asked in a roundabout way, but couldn't get a clear answer.