An oblique reference is a subtle or indirect mention of something without stating it directly. It's like hinting or alluding to a particular person, idea, or thing without explicitly naming or describing it. Full definition
• Interestingly, the budget only makes oblique reference to two huge K — 12 programs. (educationnext.org)
In meetings on Monday with trade officials, Cuomo made more oblique references to Cuba's human rights record. (politico.com)
Readers who aren't familiar with Kahlo's life will want to begin with the appended quotes from Kahlo, the prose biography, and the chronology to glean more meaning from the poems» sometimes oblique references. (booklistonline.com)