Formal:
* "His criticism, though couched in polite language, was clearly intended to be hurtful." (This means the criticism was expressed in a seemingly polite way, but it was actually intended to be harsh.)
* "The proposal was couched in legal terms, making it difficult for the layperson to understand." (This means the proposal was expressed in a way that only lawyers or people with legal knowledge would easily understand.)
Informal:
* "Her response was couched in terms of disappointment, but she was actually furious." (This means she expressed her anger through a seemingly disappointed tone.)
* "The question was couched in a way that made it seem like a simple inquiry, but it was actually a trap." (This means the question was worded to appear innocent, but it had a hidden agenda.)
Figurative:
* "The lion, couched in the tall grass, waited patiently for its prey." (This means the lion was lying in wait, hidden in the grass.)
The word "couched" often implies a sense of indirectness or careful wording, often to soften a harsh message or to hide a deeper meaning.