hint

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 something that you say or do in an indirect way in order to show sb what you are thinking: He gave a broad hint (= one that was obvious) that he was thinking of retiring. * Should I drop a hint (= give a hint) to Matt? * He resented any hint that he might be to blame. 2 something that suggests what will happen in the future: At the first hint of trouble, they left. * The opening scene gives us a hint of things to come. 3 [usuallysing.] ~ (of sth) a small amount of sth SYNTRACE: a hint of a smile * There was more than a hint of sadness in his voice. * The walls were painted white with a hint of peach. * Gail searched his face for the slightest hint of regret. 4 [usuallypl.] ~ (on sth) a small piece of practical information or advice SYNTIP: handy hints on saving money * The teacher's book gives useful hints on how to develop reading skills. IDIOMS take a / the hint to understand what sb wants you to do even though they tell you in an indirect way: I thought they'd never go-some people just can't take a hint. * Sarah hoped he'd take the hint and leave her alone. verb ~ (at sth) to suggest sth in an indirect way: [V] What are you hinting at? * [V(that)] They hinted (that) there might be more job losses. [also Vspeech]