hint

hint¹ [hınt] n

[Date: 1600-1700; Origin: Probably from hent 'act of seizing' (16-17 centuries), from Old English hentan 'to seize']

1.) something that you say or do to suggest something to someone, without telling them directly

▪ There have been hints that he may take up coaching.

▪ 'Look, I can't tell you.' 'Oh, come on, give me a hint .'

hint about/as to

▪ Miles had been dropping heavy hints about the cost of petrol.

▪ I made it clear I wasn't interested in him, but he didn't take the hint .

2.) a very small amount or sign of something

hint of

▪ 'What time do we have to leave?' he asked with a hint of impatience.

▪ We shall have to turn back if there's the slightest hint of fog.

3.) a useful piece of advice about how to do something

= ↑tip

helpful/handy hints

hint on/about

▪ helpful hints on looking after house plants

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COLLOCATES for sense 1

hint that

give (somebody) a hint

drop a hint (=give a hint)

take/get a hint also take/get the hint (=understand someone's hint)

broad/strong/heavy hint (=one that is very easy to understand)

subtle/vague/gentle hint (=one that is not very easy to understand)

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hint ²

hint² v [I and T]

to suggest something in an indirect way, but so that someone can guess your meaning

hint at

▪ What are you hinting at?

hint (that)

▪ He hinted strongly that he might be prepared to send troops in.