drop hint
Give subtle suggestion
Literally: To let a small piece of information fall
Use 'drop a hint' when you want to suggest something politely without being too bossy or direct.
In 15 Seconds
- Suggesting something indirectly instead of saying it clearly.
- Commonly used for gifts, favors, or ending conversations.
- Helps avoid awkwardness by letting others guess your needs.
Meaning
When you 'drop a hint', you suggest something indirectly instead of saying it directly. It is like leaving a small clue for someone to figure out what you want or think.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a birthday gift
I've been dropping hints about that new watch for weeks.
I have been giving subtle suggestions about that new watch for weeks.
In a long business meeting
He started packing his laptop to drop a hint that the meeting should end.
He started packing his laptop to suggest the meeting should end.
Texting a friend about dinner
I'm dropping a hint: I'm starving and that burger place is open!
I'm suggesting something: I'm hungry and that burger place is open!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, direct requests can sometimes feel like a demand. 'Dropping a hint' is a social tool used to maintain harmony and politeness. It allows the other person to 'offer' something voluntarily, making the interaction feel more balanced and less forced.
The 'Heavy' Hint
If someone says they are 'dropping a heavy hint', they are being sarcastic. It means they are being very obvious because they think you aren't paying attention!
Don't overdo it
If you drop too many hints, people might find it annoying or passive-aggressive. Sometimes it is better to just ask directly.
In 15 Seconds
- Suggesting something indirectly instead of saying it clearly.
- Commonly used for gifts, favors, or ending conversations.
- Helps avoid awkwardness by letting others guess your needs.
What It Means
Imagine you want a specific gift for your birthday. You don't want to ask for it directly because that feels rude. Instead, you leave a magazine open to that page. You just dropped a hint. It is the art of being subtle. You are giving someone a puzzle piece. You hope they can finish the picture themselves. It is a very common way to communicate in English-speaking cultures.
How To Use It
You usually use the verb drop with the noun hint. You can drop a subtle hint or a heavy hint. A subtle one is hard to notice. A heavy one is almost like shouting your secret. You can also take a hint. This means you finally understood what the other person was suggesting. It is a flexible phrase. You can use it about gifts, feelings, or even leaving a party.
When To Use It
Use it when directness feels too strong or awkward. It is perfect for workplace situations. For example, if a meeting is too long. You might look at your watch repeatedly. You are dropping a hint that it is time to go. Use it with friends when you are hungry. You could say, "Wow, that pizza place smells amazing!" You are not asking for pizza. You are dropping a hint. It is great for flirting too!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in emergencies. If the kitchen is on fire, do not drop a hint. Just yell! Also, avoid it in very strict legal or medical contexts. Doctors should not drop hints about your health. They need to be direct. Do not use it if the other person is very literal. Some people never take a hint. You will just end up frustrated and hungry.
Cultural Background
British and American cultures often value 'polite indirectness'. Being too direct can sometimes seem aggressive. Dropping a hint allows everyone to save face. If the other person ignores the hint, no one is embarrassed. It is a social safety net. It has been used in English literature for centuries to show social cleverness. It is the polite way to get what you want.
Common Variations
You might hear people say drop a few hints (plural). Or they might say give a hint. Give is okay, but drop sounds more natural and casual. If someone is being very obvious, you can say they are dropping anvils. This is a joke. It means their 'hint' is as heavy as a piece of iron. It is not subtle at all!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and works in almost any social or professional setting. Just be careful not to use it when clear, direct communication is required for safety or clarity.
The 'Heavy' Hint
If someone says they are 'dropping a heavy hint', they are being sarcastic. It means they are being very obvious because they think you aren't paying attention!
Don't overdo it
If you drop too many hints, people might find it annoying or passive-aggressive. Sometimes it is better to just ask directly.
Taking the Hint
In English culture, 'taking a hint' is considered a social skill. If you don't take a hint, people might think you are socially awkward or 'clueless'.
Examples
6I've been dropping hints about that new watch for weeks.
I have been giving subtle suggestions about that new watch for weeks.
The speaker is hoping someone will buy them the watch.
He started packing his laptop to drop a hint that the meeting should end.
He started packing his laptop to suggest the meeting should end.
A professional but indirect way to signal the end of a task.
I'm dropping a hint: I'm starving and that burger place is open!
I'm suggesting something: I'm hungry and that burger place is open!
Using the phrase itself to be playful while making a suggestion.
I dropped a hint about the trash, but he's completely oblivious.
I suggested he take out the trash, but he didn't notice.
Humorous frustration when a hint is ignored.
She dropped a hint that she wasn't happy living in the city anymore.
She suggested indirectly that she wasn't happy living in the city.
Used when discussing difficult feelings indirectly.
The host dropped a subtle hint by turning up the lights.
The host suggested it was time to leave by increasing the light.
A polite way to manage guests.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
If you want him to take you to dinner, you should ___ a hint.
The standard collocation in English is 'drop a hint'.
Complete the sentence with the most natural adjective.
I didn't want to be rude, so I only dropped a ___ hint.
'Subtle' describes a hint that is quiet and polite, which fits the context of not wanting to be rude.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Drop a Hint'
Used with friends and family.
I'll drop a hint to Mom about the cake.
Standard everyday usage.
He dropped a hint that he was looking for a new job.
Used in polite social or professional settings.
The manager dropped a hint regarding the upcoming changes.
Where to Drop a Hint
Romance
Mentioning a movie you want to see.
Workplace
Checking your watch during a long talk.
Gifts
Leaving a website open on a laptop.
Socializing
Yawning to show you are tired.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to suggest something indirectly. You aren't saying exactly what you want, but you are giving clues, like saying I'm so thirsty instead of Can I have a water?.
Yes, they are very similar. However, drop a hint sounds more like you are doing it casually or secretly, while give a hint can sometimes mean providing help on a test.
Absolutely. It is very common in offices to drop a hint about deadlines or needing help without sounding like you are complaining.
A subtle hint is one that is very small and hard to notice. You might just change your tone of voice slightly to show you are unhappy.
This is the opposite action. It means you understood the indirect message someone was sending. For example, He finally took the hint and left the party.
Usually, it is considered polite because it avoids direct confrontation. However, if used to be mean, it can feel passive-aggressive.
It is a bit idiomatic for a very formal academic essay. In that case, use suggested indirectly or implied.
We say they can't take a hint. In this case, you might need to be more direct and stop dropping hints.
Not exactly slang, but people might say I'm putting it out there. This is a more modern way to suggest something without a direct request.
Not always. Sometimes it's just about being polite. You might drop a hint that you like a certain restaurant just to help a friend decide where to eat.
Related Phrases
Read between the lines
To understand the hidden meaning in something said or written.
Beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main topic directly.
Insinuate
To suggest something unpleasant in an indirect way.
Take a hint
To understand what someone is suggesting indirectly.
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