言こと葉ばに鞘さやがある

expression, godan verb (-ru, irregular)

be evasive; not be entirely truthful; not be frank

Idiomatic expression meaning that someone's words are not straightforward; they are hiding something or not speaking honestly. Literally 'there is a sheath on the words', suggesting the real meaning is covered.

• 彼かれの説せつ明めいはどうも言こと葉ばに鞘さやがある感かんじがする。

  His explanation somehow feels evasive.

• 言こと葉ばに鞘さやがあって、本ほん当とうのことを言いっているのかわからない。

  He's not being frank, so I can't tell if he's telling the truth.