当たり障り

あたりさわり【当たり障り】

⇒あたらずさわらず, さしさわり.

●当たり障りなく so as not to offend anybody; diplomatically.

●当たり障りがない be harmless and inoffensive; neutral

・これならどこにも当たり障りがなかろう. I don't think this will offend anybody. | I doubt if anyone will take offense at this.

●当たり障りのないことを言う avoid saying anything that could cause offense; make safe [harmless, inoffensive] remarks; 〔揚げ足を取られないように〕 play it safe 《and say…》

・当たり障りのない返事をする give a safe [neutral, diplomatic] answer; answer without causing offense

・当たり障りのない態度を取る avoid offending sb; take a safe [an inoffensive] line; adopt a neutral policy

・当たり障りのないことしか言わない人間 somebody who always says things that are safe [neutral, inoffensive, harmless]; a mealy-mouthed person.