旁敲侧击 (páng qiāo cè jī): To make oblique or indirect remarks — Meaning & Stroke Order

He indirectly reminded me to be careful, but didn't say it outright.

In negotiations, he is good at making indirect remarks to probe the other side's bottom line.

The teacher asked a few indirect questions and finally got to the truth.

She indirectly inquired about his family situation.