expression, godan verb (-su)
be vague; speak ambiguously; be evasive; not commit oneself
Idiomatic expression used when someone avoids giving a clear answer or deliberately makes their statement unclear, often to dodge responsibility or a direct question.
彼は都合が悪くなると、いつも言葉を濁す。
He always speaks ambiguously when things get awkward for him.
質問に答えず、言葉を濁してごまかした。
He didn't answer the question and evaded it by being vague.