when you put quotes around a certain word or phrase to imply something without saying it directly.
In the mafia for example they would say something
like,
"The dishes are done and the kids are in bed" to imply to a hierarchy or an associate in a public place that the order was successfully carried out, such as the transporting of drugs, blowing something up or murdering someone.
Or: I'll bring the
party "supplies" by your house around 10. (supplies being
alcohol w/o being directly stated)