針はりを含ふくむ

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.

• 彼かれの言こと葉ばには針はりを含ふくむものがあった。

  There was a sting in his words.

• 彼かの女じょの褒ほめ言こと葉ばは針はりを含ふくんでいた。

  Her compliment was barbed.