Drop a hint Meaning in English
expression
ˈdɹɑp/, /ˈdɹɔp/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhɪnt
DROP-uh-hint
dɹˈɒp/ /æɪ/ /hˈɪnt
DROP-uh-hint
Definition
To give someone an indirect suggestion or clue about something without saying it openly.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; often used when you want someone to understand something without saying it outright. Common with 'about' (e.g., 'drop a hint about...'). Can be playful or strategic. Not the same as giving detailed advice.
Spanish: dejar caer una indirecta - insinuarPortuguese (BR): dar uma pista - soltar uma dicaPortuguese (PT): dar uma pista - deixar uma dicaChinese (Simplified): 暗示 - 给点提示Chinese (Traditional): 暗示 - 給點提示Hindi: इशारा करनाArabic: يلمحBengali: ইঙ্গিত দেওয়া - ইশারা করাRussian: намекнуть - сделать намёкJapanese: ほのめかす - ヒントを出すVietnamese: bóng gió - gợi ý (gián tiếp)Korean: 힌트를 주다 - 암시를 주다Turkish: üstü kapalı bir şekilde ima etmek - ima etmekUrdu: اشارہ دینا - ہلکا سا بتاناIndonesian: memberi petunjuk secara tidak langsung - memberi kode
Example Sentences
She dropped a hint about wanting a new phone.
basic
Can you drop a hint if you know the answer?
basic
My dad dropped a hint that we might go on vacation.
basic
He didn’t come right out and say it, but he definitely dropped a hint.
natural
If you want them to invite you, try to drop a hint.
natural
I kept dropping hints, but she just didn’t get it.
natural