noncommittal reply
noun phraseUK /ˌnɒnkəˈmɪtəl rɪˈplaɪ/
US /ˌnɑːnkəˈmɪtəl rɪˈplaɪ/
A noncommittal reply is an answer that does not say yes or no.
When asked if he liked the gift, he gave a noncommittal reply.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A response that avoids taking a clear side in a disagreement.
Her noncommittal reply kept her out of the family argument.
3. An answer that keeps future options open.
The manager's noncommittal reply left the job offer undecided.
4. A guarded response given to protect privacy.
He gave a noncommittal reply when asked where he had been.