26984 words

hints

8 definitions • 13 examples
1
something that you say or do that shows what you think or want, usually in a way that is not direct:

Examples:

[ + that ] He's dropped (= given) several hints to the boss that he'll quit if he doesn't get a promotion.
give someone a hint Did she give you any hints about where she was going?
take a hint You can't take (= understand) a hint, can you? Just go away and leave me alone!
2
a piece of advice that helps you to do something:

Examples:

give someone a hint about something Could you give us a hint about how to do this exercise, please?
handy hint This recipe book is full of handy (= useful) hints.
3
a very small amount of something:

Examples:

hint of There's just a hint of brandy in the sauce.
I detected a hint of doubt in his voice.
4
to say or do something that shows what you think or want, usually in a way that is not direct:

Examples:

[ + (that) ] Mum's hinted (that) she might pay for my trip to Mexico.
hint at He's hinted at the possibility of moving to Canada.
5
a statement or action that suggests what you think or want in an indirect way:

Examples:

[ + that clause ] When he yawned and looked at his watch, I took it as a hint that we should leave.
6
A hint is also a piece of advice that helps you to do something:

Examples:

hints on ways to save money
7
a small amount of something:

Examples:

It was the first cool day of September, and there was a hint of autumn in the air.
8
to say or do something that shows in an indirect way what you think or want:

Examples:

[ + that clause ] My parents have hinted that they’ll pay for a European vacation after I graduate from college.

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