couch in

couch (something) in (something)

To convey something very deliberately by saying it in a particular way or with particular wording. That professor always manages to couch her criticism in kind words, so I'm never too upset by her negative feedback.
See also: couch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

couch something in something

to express something in carefully chosen or deceptive words. He tended to couch his explanations in arcane vocabulary. She couched her words in an overly polite manner.
See also: couch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • couch
  • couch (something) in (something)
  • reckon (someone or something) as (someone or something)
  • reckon as
  • (one) ain't particular
  • ain't particular
  • particular
  • receive as
  • receive as (something)
  • always the bridesmaid
References in classic literature
She sank on her knees before a little couch in the darkest corner of the room.
The New Magdalen
Every place seemed unsatisfactory, but worst of all was his customary couch in the study.
War and Peace
SUPPORTERS of cancer charity Birstall BAGs have raised funds for a new examination couch in the scanning room of the gynaecology department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary Hospital.
Neelam Potdar, consultant gynaecologist, said: "A huge thanks for the amazing, kind donation for the new therapy couch in Gynaecology.
Cancer charity buys new hospital couch; PS8,890 donation for examination facility
I have to put Couch in there 'cause he's a dude who can kinda do all the different types of ollies.
GRANT TAYLOR'S 5 GREAT FRONTSIDE OLLIES
We need to meet them right where they are at, and show them how to conquer the couch in a way that also honors everything else going on in their lives."
Lyn Lindbergh's Book, "COUCH to ACTIVE" Receives 2018 Best Book Awards Finalist Title; "COUCH to ACTIVE" Scores Top Honors in the 15th Annual Best Book Awards
Following choreographer Saroj Khan's remark in defence of the practices of casting couch in the film industry, Chowdhury told ANI that Parliament and other workplaces were also not immune to it.
Renuka Chowdhury defends her casting couch comment
Marjorie Chakravarti, 72, got the couch in 1992 from a GP centre in Todmorden, West Yorks, where Shipman began his lethal career.
Shipman's couch sale
the morning, I left my couch in Tatamagouche, and that has made a big
I Left My Couch in Tatamagouche
A week ago she changed her online profile and now she is ready to host a traveler on her new brown couch in her house in Worcester.
The world gets smaller & cheaper; Couch surfing network allows friendly budget travel
The 131-year-old company has embarked on this impressive growth under the stewardship of owner, chairman and chief executive Michael Sandford-Couch, who took over from his father Stuart Couch in 1995.
Printers plan to double turnover
Leading MBA as it tries to shape policy on abusive lending will be a key role for Couch in the coming year.
Couch's credentials; the incoming chairman of the mortgage bankers association has clerked for a supreme court justice and is a certified public accountant. Rob couch, president and chief executive officer of new south federal savings bank, will need all his stellar credentials to tackle the tough issues like predatory lending in the year ahead
Dolly attend her daughter's first day as a hard-core actor and as we hear copulatory groans emanating from a couch in the distance the camera pulls back into an indifferent, deserted patio.
Paul Cowan's inouisitive eye: war games porn stars and the Ghosts of Westray
We could cut from me falling asleep on my couch to me awaking on the couch in front of the double set a la Forrest Edwards.
Sleep it off
"A confirmed Democrat, he won Hoover's admiration as a man who was willing to put aside political partisanship when national emergencies demanded unified action," James Olson wrote of Couch in a 1973 Arkansas Historical Quarterly article.
Harvey had a heart