allude to
Indirectly reference something
To allude to something is to mention it indirectly or in passing, without stating it explicitly: She alluded to problems at home but didn't elaborate.
The word implies a reference that assumes shared knowledge—you allude to things your audience might recognize: The title alludes to a line from Shakespeare.
Often confused with elude, which means to escape or evade.
- hintIndirect suggestion
- drop a hintSuggest something indirectly
- suggestOffer an idea indirectly
- implyIndicate without stating
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
mention · insinuate · intimate · tip off · nod · wink · oblique · indirect · subtle · veiled · whisper · gesture · evoke · invoke · echo · touch · skirt · beat around the bush