Hint Meaning
Hint Definition & Usage
A small or indirect indication or suggestion meant to guide or help someone understand something.
Examples
- "She dropped a hint about the surprise party, but I still had no idea."
- "The detective gave a hint, pointing towards the unsearched room."
- "He gave me a hint about how to improve my writing skills."
- "If you need a hint for the puzzle, just ask."
- "She didn’t say anything directly, but her look was a hint that something was wrong."
To subtly suggest or imply something without stating it directly.
Examples
- "She hinted that she might want a promotion, but didn’t ask for one outright."
- "He hinted at the possibility of a secret meeting later."
- "I think she was hinting that she wanted to go out for dinner."
- "He didn’t come right out and say it, but he hinted that I should help him with the project."
- "The manager hinted that there could be layoffs next month."
A subtle or indirect clue in a social context, sometimes used in a playful or teasing way.
Examples
- "Is that a hint you're dropping, or just a coincidence?"
- "When she said she was ‘so hungry,’ was that a hint I should order lunch?"
- "I got a hint that he was trying to ask me out, but I wasn’t sure."
- "He gave me a hint about his feelings, but I wasn’t sure how to respond."
- "Stop dropping hints and just tell me what you really want."
Cultural Context
The concept of a 'hint' often exists in various forms across cultures, where subtlety in communication is valued. In Western cultures, hints are often employed to maintain politeness, avoid confrontation, or create suspense. In some Asian cultures, hinting is also a form of indirect communication, where the speaker might be expected to read between the lines.
The Hidden Message
Story
The Hidden Message
It was a quiet afternoon when Emma sat down at her favorite café, glancing nervously at the table where her best friend, Jack, was sitting. She had been planning a surprise party for him for weeks, but Jack was always so quick-witted that it was hard to keep anything secret from him. She was worried he might already know. As they sipped their coffee, Emma dropped a hint, trying to gauge his reaction. 'You know,' she said casually, 'I wonder what Jack would say if someone were planning a huge party for him.' Jack raised an eyebrow, but didn’t respond immediately. 'Hmm, I’d probably be surprised,' he said, leaning back in his chair. Emma couldn’t tell if he was hinting that he suspected something or if he was genuinely clueless. Later, Emma tried again, this time more subtly. 'Have you heard anything strange about the weekend? Like, maybe people acting a little... secretive?' she asked, a playful tone in her voice. Jack grinned. 'Hmm, maybe. But I think you’re just giving me hints now.' He leaned in, lowering his voice. 'If there’s something going on, I don’t mind being surprised. After all, some surprises are best left for the moment.' Emma was both relieved and amused. She realized that Jack had been hinting that he was okay with not knowing everything. Maybe it was better to keep the surprise party a secret, after all. In the end, the party went off without a hitch. Jack was truly surprised, and Emma was thrilled. Looking back, she smiled at how well the hints had worked—he had picked up on every one, yet still managed to act surprised. It was a perfect example of how a little hint could go a long way, especially when you knew just how to drop it.
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