うやむや

Etymology

From 有耶無耶(うやむや) - literally "is it there or is it not there," expressing uncertainty.

Common patterns

• うやむやになる (to become vague/unclear)
• うやむやにする (to make something vague, to obscure)
• うやむやな返事(へんじ) (vague answer)

Usage

Often used with negative connotation, implying that something was deliberately left unclear to avoid accountability or difficult conclusions.

Similar words

• あやふや (uncertain, unreliable)
• 曖昧(あいまい) (ambiguous)
• 不明瞭(ふめいりょう) (unclear)