hint
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drop a hint
To allude to something in a subtle way; to give an indication of something without entirely saying it. Phil can be a little dense, so just tell him what you want for your birthday—you'll never get it if you only drop a hint. A: "Wait, I'm the only one she invited to her performance?" B: "Dude, she's definitely dropping a hint. She likes you!" Well, yeah, I did drop a hint, but I had no idea Chris would actually arrange a surprise party for me!
hint (something) to (someone)
To indirectly suggest or insinuate something to someone. If you've got a problem with me, please don't hint it to my boss—just talk to me. I tried hinting my interest in Joe to his best friend, but it doesn't seem to have done any good. If you want something done, you can't just hint your wishes to people—you have to be direct.
hint at (something)
To indirectly suggest or insinuate something. And what exactly are you hinting at? If you have something to say, just say it! I tried hinting at my interest in Joe, but he's just not picking up any of my signals. If you want something done, you can't just hint at it—you have to be direct.
See also: hint
hint for (something)
To indirectly suggest or insinuate one's desire for or interest in something. You can hint for extra credit all you want, but you're not getting it. Are you hinting for some help? I did hint for Ed to get his elbows off the table, he was just totally oblivious!
Irish hint
A straightforward statement. I'm positive I'm getting the promotion—the boss gave me an Irish hint to that effect! A: "Have you taken the trash out?" B: "No, but I'm guessing that's an Irish hint that I'm supposed to!" Dude, that was totally an Irish hint! She wants you to ask her to prom!
pick up the hint
To understand, comprehend, or take notice of an indirect suggestion, implication, or insinuation. Halfway through the lecture, I picked up the hint my students were planning some kind of practical joke at the end of class. When are you going to pick up the hint that Sally doesn't want to date you anymore?
take a hint
To understand, accept, or act upon a message or direction that has been insinuated or communicated indirectly. Don't worry, I can take a hint. I won't try to hang out with you anymore. I think you need to take a hint and accept the fact that he has no interest in dating you.
take the hint
To understand, accept, or act upon a message or direction that has been insinuated or communicated indirectly. After an hour or so of being ignored, Jeremy finally took the hint and left the party. I think you need to take the hint and accept the fact that he has no interest in dating you.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
drop a hint
Fig. to give a tiny or careful hint about something. Mary dropped a hint that she wanted a new ring for her birthday.
hint at something
to refer to something; to insinuate something. What are you hinting at? I am not hinting at anything. I am telling you to do it!
See also: hint
hint for something
to give a hint that something is wanted. I could tell she was hinting for an invitation. Are you hinting for a second helping of fried chicken?
hint something to someone
to give a hint or clue to someone. I thought she was leaving. She hinted that to me. She wasn't hinting anything to you! You made it all up!
take a hint
to understand a hint and behave accordingly. I said I didn't want to see you anymore. Can't you take a hint? I don't like you. Sure I can take a hint, but I'd rather be told directly.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
take a hint
Also, take the hint. Accept an indirect or covert suggestion, as in Evelyn took the hint and quietly left the room. This idiom was first recorded in 1711.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
drop a hint (or drop hints)
let fall a hint or hints, as if casually or unconsciously.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
drop a ˈhint (to somebody)
,drop somebody a ˈhint
suggest something in an indirect way: He tried to drop a hint about it being time to leave, but they didn’t seem to take any notice. ♢ She’s dropped me a few hints about what she’d like for her birthday.take a/the ˈhint
understand what somebody wants you to do, even though they tell you in an indirect way: She yawned and said, ‘Goodness, it’s late.’ ‘OK,’ said Pete, ‘I can take a hint. I’ll go now.’ ♢ Sarah hoped he’d take the hint and leave her alone.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017