Take a/the hint
verb phrase
To understand or guess what someone means without them telling you directly.
When she started yawning and checking her watch, I took the hint and said I had to leave.
Often appears as...
- can't take a hint
- take the hint and leave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To act on the advice or suggestion given indirectly by someone.
She didn't directly tell him to leave, but he finally took the hint after she ignored his calls.
Often appears as...
- finally took the hint
- take the hint and go
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To understand or guess what someone means without them telling you directly.
When she started yawning and checking her watch, I took the hint and said I had to leave.
Often appears as...
- can't take a hint
- take the hint and leave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To act on the advice or suggestion given indirectly by someone.
She didn't directly tell him to leave, but he finally took the hint after she ignored his calls.
Often appears as...
- finally took the hint
- take the hint and go
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Indirect Signals
Look for non-verbal cues like body language, tone, or facial expressions that imply a hint.
His constant glances at the door were my cue to take the hint and head home.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Matters
Consider the situation and relationship to accurately interpret the hint being given.
During the meeting, her subtle nod towards the clock helped me take the hint to wrap up.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Communication
Hints are often conveyed through choice of words or how something is said, rather than what is said.
When he emphasized 'some of us,' I took the hint that I was talking too much.
Pro Tip 1/3Indirect Signals
Look for non-verbal cues like body language, tone, or facial expressions that imply a hint.
His constant glances at the door were my cue to take the hint and head home.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Matters
Consider the situation and relationship to accurately interpret the hint being given.
During the meeting, her subtle nod towards the clock helped me take the hint to wrap up.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Communication
Hints are often conveyed through choice of words or how something is said, rather than what is said.
When he emphasized 'some of us,' I took the hint that I was talking too much.
Pro Tip 1/3Indirect Signals
Look for non-verbal cues like body language, tone, or facial expressions that imply a hint.
His constant glances at the door were my cue to take the hint and head home.
Pro Tip 2/3Context Matters
Consider the situation and relationship to accurately interpret the hint being given.
During the meeting, her subtle nod towards the clock helped me take the hint to wrap up.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Communication
Hints are often conveyed through choice of words or how something is said, rather than what is said.
When he emphasized 'some of us,' I took the hint that I was talking too much.
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