A nod and a wink
phrase
A hint or suggestion given in a secretive, indirect manner.
The politician just gave his party members a nod and a wink and they understood his real intentions.
Often appears as...
- give a nod and a wink
- receive a nod and a wink
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
A hint or suggestion given in a secretive, indirect manner.
The politician just gave his party members a nod and a wink and they understood his real intentions.
Often appears as...
- give a nod and a wink
- receive a nod and a wink
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Secretive Communication
Used when someone wants to communicate secretly or show agreement without using explicit words.
The committee chair gave me a nod and a wink, signaling I should stay quiet about the decision.
Pro Tip 2/3Implicit Understanding
Implies that both parties understand the hidden meaning without needing further explanation.
I mentioned the surprise party with a nod and a wink; everyone knew to keep it a secret.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Cue
Can be used to describe an actual gesture or used figuratively to describe a subtle sign.
After a nod and a wink from the coach, the player faked a left turn and passed the ball.
Pro Tip 1/3Secretive Communication
Used when someone wants to communicate secretly or show agreement without using explicit words.
The committee chair gave me a nod and a wink, signaling I should stay quiet about the decision.
Pro Tip 2/3Implicit Understanding
Implies that both parties understand the hidden meaning without needing further explanation.
I mentioned the surprise party with a nod and a wink; everyone knew to keep it a secret.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Cue
Can be used to describe an actual gesture or used figuratively to describe a subtle sign.
After a nod and a wink from the coach, the player faked a left turn and passed the ball.
Pro Tip 1/3Secretive Communication
Used when someone wants to communicate secretly or show agreement without using explicit words.
The committee chair gave me a nod and a wink, signaling I should stay quiet about the decision.
Pro Tip 2/3Implicit Understanding
Implies that both parties understand the hidden meaning without needing further explanation.
I mentioned the surprise party with a nod and a wink; everyone knew to keep it a secret.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Cue
Can be used to describe an actual gesture or used figuratively to describe a subtle sign.
After a nod and a wink from the coach, the player faked a left turn and passed the ball.
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