in a roundabout way

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some opera singers hoped that the actor’s jibes might actually prove beneficial for the form in a roundabout way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Whether directly or in a roundabout way, it all circles back to “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which was nearly a single-season wonder.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

So in a roundabout way, VAR protocol meant Arsenal were penalised for Taylor not getting the red card correct.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

I found myself asking these pointed questions in a roundabout way: “How does that insurance policy work? How much am I insured for? Oh, and what are the premiums?”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2024

The first of Mig’s wishes was granted, in a roundabout way, when King Phillip outlawed soup.

From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo