hint

Something said or done to suggest an idea without saying it directly.

• He didn’t take the hint.
• She dropped a hint about her birthday present.
• His glance at the clock was a hint that we should leave.

How to use it: a hint that… (Was that a hint that you want us to leave?)

Similar words: suggestion, signal

Common phrases: drop a hint, take the hint, a subtle hint

A small piece of information that helps you find an answer or solve a problem.

• Can I have a hint?
• The teacher gave us hints to solve the puzzle.
• That last hint helped me guess the answer.

How to use it: a hint about something (Can you give me a hint about the answer?)

Similar words: clue, tip

Common phrases: give a hint, a helpful hint, hint about something

A very small amount or slight sign of something.

• The soup has a hint of garlic.
• I noticed a hint of a smile.
• There wasn’t a hint of doubt in his reply.

How to use it: a hint of something (There was a hint of anger in her voice.)

Similar words: trace, touch, suggestion

Common phrases: a hint of, hint of lemon, hint of sadness

To suggest something without saying it directly.

• She hinted that she wanted some help.
• He has hinted at leaving his job.
• Are you hinting that I should pay?

How to use it: hint that… (He hinted that he might move abroad.); hint at something (She hinted at a change of plans.)

Similar words: suggest, imply, allude

Common phrases: hint at something, hint to someone, hint that something, hint a suspicion

Used to draw attention to an indirect suggestion you want someone to notice.

• It’s my birthday tomorrow, hint, hint!
• Those chocolates look lovely. Hint, hint!
• Someone could wash the dishes tonight. Hint, hint!

Common phrases: hint hint, hint hint please