A "sly reference" is a subtle or clever way of mentioning something or someone without explicitly stating it. It is a way of hinting at a particular idea or making a connection indirectly. Full definition
While Better Call Saul certainly holds its own as a show thanks to outstanding performances by the likes of Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn and Michael McKean, show co-creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, have never shied away from making sly references to Breaking Bad. (highsnobiety.com)
Villeneuve («Arrival,» «Prisoners») steeps the L.A. futurescape with sly references to Scott's original — from the high - tech billboards for Coca - Cola and Atari to the hints of Vangelis» synthesizer score in the butt - rattling soundtrack by Benjamin Wallfisch and Hans Zimmer — and the bleak imagery of cinematographer Roger Deakins. (sltrib.com)
These days they often include argumentum ad hominem attacks, such as sly references to the agencies» sterling ratings on Lehman Brothers the day before it filed for bankruptcy, that distract from relevant discussion about the country's creditworthiness. (canadianbusiness.com)