(hints, hinting, hinted)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A hint is a suggestion about something that is made in an indirect way.
The Minister gave a strong hint that the government were thinking of introducing tax concessions for mothers...
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work up here...
N-COUNT: oft N that
•
If you take a hint, you understand something that is suggested to you indirectly.
'I think I hear the telephone ringing.'-'Okay, I can take a hint.'
PHRASE: V inflects
2.
If you hint at something, you suggest it in an indirect way.
She suggested a trip to the shops and hinted at the possibility of a treat of some sort...
The President hinted he might make some changes in the government.
VERB: V at n, V that
3.
A hint is a helpful piece of advice, usually about how to do something.
Here are some helpful hints to make your journey easier...
= tip
N-COUNT: usu supp N
4.
A hint of something is a very small amount of it.
She added only a hint of vermouth to the gin...
= trace
N-SING: N of n