それとはなしに

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.

• 彼かれはそれとはなしに、転てん職しょくを考かんがえていることをほのめかした。

  He hinted indirectly that he was thinking of changing jobs.

• それとはなしに聞きいてみたが、はっきりした返へん事じはもらえなかった。

  I asked in a roundabout way, but couldn't get a clear answer.