nudge

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 [VN] to push sb gently, especially with your elbow, in order to get their attention: He nudged me and whispered, 'Look who's just come in.' 2 [VN+adv./prep.] to push sb/sth gently or gradually in a particular direction: He nudged the ball past the goalie and into the net. * She nudged me out of the way. * (figurative) He nudged the conversation towards the subject of money. * (figurative) She tried to nudge him into changing his mind (= persuade him to do it). 3 [+adv./prep.] to move forward by pushing with your elbow: [VN] He nudged his way through the crowd. [also V] 4 [VN] to reach or make sth reach a particular level: Inflation is nudging 20%. * This afternoon's sunshine could nudge the temperature above freezing. noun a slight push, usually with the elbow: She gave me a gentle nudge in the ribs to tell me to shut up. * (figurative) He can work hard but he needs a nudge now and then. IDIOMS nudge nudge, wink wink