顧かえりみて他たを言いう

expression, godan verb (-u)

give an evasive answer; dodge the question

A set phrase meaning to avoid giving a direct answer by changing the subject or talking about something else. Often used when someone is being deliberately vague or noncommittal.

• 彼かれは都つ合ごうが悪わるくなると、いつも顧かえりみて他たを言いう。

  Whenever things get awkward, he always dodges the question.

• 直ちょく接せつ聞きいても、顧かえりみて他たを言いわれてしまった。

  Even when I asked directly, I got an evasive answer.