# 旁敲侧击

páng qiāo cè jī

Approach a subject indirectly

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Knock from beside and strike from the side

**Traditional Chinese:** 旁敲側擊

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe indirect questioning or hints.

Can sound evasive or manipulative.

## Understanding the expression

Instead of striking the central issue directly, the speaker approaches it through nearby topics and hints. This may help when a question is delicate, or when the person wants to discover information without openly asking. The expression describes the method, not whether the motive is good. Indirectness can protect someone’s comfort, but it can also create misunderstanding. A direct, respectful question may be better when clear consent or accurate information matters.

## Examples

她旁敲侧击地问起租金。

### Traditional Chinese

她旁敲側擊地問起租金。

tā páng qiāo cè jī dì wèn qǐ zū jīn 。

She asked about the rent indirectly.

他旁敲侧击，想知道我是否辞职。

### Traditional Chinese

他旁敲側擊，想知道我是否辭職。

tā páng qiāo cè jī ， xiǎng zhī dào wǒ shì fǒu cí zhí 。

He probed indirectly to learn whether I had resigned.

别旁敲侧击，直接说需求。

### Traditional Chinese

別旁敲側擊，直接說需求。

bié páng qiāo cè jī ， zhí jiē shuō xū qiú 。

Do not hint around it; state what you need directly.

朋友旁敲侧击地提醒他道歉。

### Traditional Chinese

朋友旁敲側擊地提醒他道歉。

péng yǒu páng qiāo cè jī dì tí xǐng tā dào qiàn 。

His friend indirectly hinted that he should apologize.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%97%81%E6%95%B2%E5%81%B4%E6%93%8A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=887&webMd=1&la=0)

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