Tip somebody the wink

usgb
verb

To hint or signal to someone, usually secretly.

When John saw the police coming, he tipped Mary the wink to hide the contraband.
Visual representation of "tip somebody the wink" - To hint or signal to someone, usually secretly.

Often appears as...

  • tip someone the wink
  • tip him the wink

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "tip somebody the wink"
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Secretive Nature

Used when signaling covertly, especially to warn or inform about something private or undisclosed.

Illustration for Secretive Nature
During the exam, Lisa tipped Sam the wink about the invigilator approaching.
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British Slang

Most common in the UK, it might confuse English speakers from other regions who aren't familiar with the idiom.

Illustration for British Slang
When I lived in London, my mate always tipped me the wink about the best pubs.
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Casual Use

The phrase is informal; it's best used among friends or in casual settings, not in formal communication.

Illustration for Casual Use
At the reunion, Jen tipped me the wink to avoid mentioning the prank we pulled back in the day.
Visual representation of the word "Tip somebody the wink"

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