say (something) in a roundabout (sort of) way
To imply or convey something in an indirect, vague, or evasive manner. I wish you would stop saying things in such a roundabout way and just make your point! Well, he didn't promise it to me outright—he said it in a roundabout sort of way.
say something in a roundabout way
to imply something without saying it; to say something indirectly; to speak using circumlocution. Why don't you say what you mean? Why do you always say something in a roundabout way? What did she mean? Why did she say it in a roundabout way?