expression, godan verb (-mu)
to hurt someone's feelings; to be sarcastic; to speak with a sting
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to contain a needle,' used when someone's words carry a hidden barb or sarcasm that hurts the listener.
彼の言葉には針を含むものがあった。
There was a sting in his words.
彼女の褒め言
Her compliment was barbed.