Saying in a soft, indirect or disguised way something harsh, ugly or forbidden to name.
In Crime and Punishment
I merely hinted that the extraordinary man has the right... that is, not an official right, but he himself has the right to allow his conscience to overstep... certain obstacles, and only in the case when the execution of his idea (sometimes saving, perhaps, for all humanity) requires it
“Overstep certain obstacles” is the gentle way of saying to commit crimes, including murder. The vocabulary of obstacles disguises what the thesis really permits and avoids the harsh word.