mealy-mouthed

IPA/ˌmiːli ˈmaʊðd/
IPA/ˌmiːli ˈmaʊðd/

mealy-mouthed — 形容詞

1. describes someone who avoids saying clearly what they truly think or feel, usual

1.形容詞C1
釋義

拐彎抹角

說話不直接、不坦誠

describes someone who avoids saying clearly what they truly think or feel, usually because they lack the nerve to be direct and honest.

例句

The politician gave a mealy-mouthed answer when the reporter asked him about the missing funds.

記者問到那筆遺失的資金時，這位政治人物只給了一個拐彎抹角的回答。

collocation: mealy-mouthed answer

Tanvi gave a mealy-mouthed remark about being 'not entirely happy' instead of admitting her anger.

Tanvi 拐彎抹角地說她「不是完全滿意」，而不願承認自己生氣。

attributive use before noun: mealy-mouthed remark

同義詞
  • evasive

    focuses on avoiding direct answers; slightly less harsh than 'mealy-mouthed'

  • equivocal

    more formal; deliberately using unclear language to avoid commitment

  • noncommittal

    refusing to take a side; less negative in tone

  • disingenuous

    suggests intentional dishonesty rather than just lack of courage

反義詞
  • direct

    says what one means without hiding

  • forthright

    honest and open in expression

  • candid

    truthful even when the truth is uncomfortable

文法句型

be mealy-mouthed

a mealy-mouthed [noun]

用法筆記

Often used as a criticism of public figures, managers, or anyone who avoids taking a clear position. The word carries a strong negative tone — stronger than 'indirect' or 'vague.'

常見錯誤

❌She was mealy-mouthed and said nice things to be polite.
✅She was diplomatic and said nice things to be polite.
💡Being mealy-mouthed implies avoiding the truth out of weakness or dishonesty, not out of genuine politeness.
❌He gave a mealy-mouthed speech that was very long and detailed.
✅He gave a mealy-mouthed speech that did not clearly state his position.
💡'mealy-mouthed' is about evasiveness, not length or detail.