📖 Meaning
This idiom describes speech that carries an implied meaning beyond its literal wording. The speaker's real intent—often a criticism, hint, or warning—is hidden between the lines and must be read into by the listener. It is used when someone says one thing plainly but means something else entirely.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from chapter 110 of the Qing-dynasty novel Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) by Cao Xueqin. In the scene, Lady Xing and the others detect an implied reproach in what they hear, yet instead of reflecting that they themselves had not let Wang Xifeng act at her own discretion, they merely remark that 'Phoenix Girl is indeed somewhat careless.' The passage captures the moment a seemingly innocent statement reveals a stinging subtext, which is exactly the sense the idiom conveys.
💡 Example Usage
他这番话说得客客气气，却话中有话，暗讽我们办事不力。
He spoke with perfect courtesy, but there was a hidden edge to his words—a veiled jab at our incompetence.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 话中有话
- Pinyin: huà zhōng yǒu huà
- Literal Translation: words, within, there are, words
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4