a hint of trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hint of trouble" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a small indication or sign of potential difficulty or problems. Example: The peaceful atmosphere of the party was suddenly disrupted by a hint of trouble when the host and his rival began exchanging heated words.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some of these things are computerized, and they just go into automatic mode" when they see a hint of trouble.

The New York Times

But there was a hint of trouble for Mr. Bennett in Precinct 2064, which held its caucus in the back of the same school auditorium.

The New York Times

But by then we've spent twenty minutes with them without a hint of trouble, except one oblique reference to seeing a counsellor.

The New Yorker

They drank in the pubs around the ground dressed in their red and white tops and there wasn't a hint of trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

It is worth noting, and celebrating, the ability of the supporters of all 14 Super League clubs to mix freely all weekend without a hint of trouble, to my knowledge.

The Guardian - Sport

At the first change of ends there was a hint of trouble as Murray called for his trainer to treat the hip flexor that had bothered him during his quarter-final victory over Feliciano López.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Heaney's third collection, Wintering Out (1972), takes its title from a line in a poem called "Servant Boy", which may be read as a hint of troubles to come: "He is wintering out... / swinging a hurricane lamp".

The Guardian - Books

And there is a widespread feeling that money originated through funds-of-hedge-funds is liable to get jumpy at any hint of trouble and skedaddle if losses are made.

The Economist

For West Nile, at least the American strain, birds, and particularly crows, offer a hint of possible trouble to come.

The New York Times - Science

For a hint of the trouble lying ahead this week for the United States proposals for a free-trade pact with Latin America, consider Luiz Fernando Furlan's chicken problems.

The New York Times

Mr. Tshisekedi has already rejected the preliminary results, saying the election was fraudulent, and on Friday afternoon a spokesman said that the opposition leader considered himself the rightful winner — a hint of possible trouble to come.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of trouble" to subtly introduce a potential problem without causing alarm. This can be effective in reports or narratives where you want to prepare the reader for upcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of trouble" when the issue is already significant. This phrase is meant for subtle indications, not major crises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of trouble" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a small or subtle indication of potential problems. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hint of trouble" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to subtly introduce a potential problem. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to cautiously alert the reader without causing undue alarm. Alternatives include "a sign of difficulty" or "a touch of difficulty", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using this phrase, it’s best to avoid exaggeration and ensure the context aligns with a genuine, yet subtle, indication of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign of difficulty

Focuses on the indication being a 'sign', emphasizing the visual or noticeable aspect of the potential issue.

a touch of difficulty

Uses 'touch' to imply a delicate or subtle presence of a problem, making it seem less severe.

an inkling of difficulty

Replaces 'hint' with 'inkling', suggesting a vague or intuitive sense of a problem rather than a clear sign.

a shade of problem

Employs 'shade' to denote a subtle degree or aspect of a problem, often implying it's not immediately obvious.

a suggestion of difficulty

Frames the indication as a 'suggestion', implying a more tentative or indirect warning of potential problems.

a trace of difficulty

Uses 'trace' to suggest a very small or minimal sign, implying the problem is barely perceptible.

a glimmer of difficulty

Highlights the faintness or initial appearance of the problem, like a 'glimmer' of light.

a suspicion of difficulty

Implies the problem is based on a feeling or conjecture, rather than concrete evidence.

a whisper of difficulty

Conveys that the indication is subtle and not openly discussed or acknowledged.

an indication of coming problems

Expands on the phrase to specifically include that the problems are 'coming', emphasizing the future aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "a hint of trouble" to indicate a slight sign or indication of potential problems. For example, "There was "a hint of trouble" in his voice when he mentioned the budget cuts".

What's a more formal way to say "a hint of trouble"?

A more formal alternative to "a hint of trouble" could be "an indication of difficulty" or "a suggestion of problems".

Is it ever appropriate to use "a hint of trouble" in business communication?

Yes, "a hint of trouble" is appropriate in business communication when you want to subtly point out a potential issue without causing unnecessary alarm. It's useful for gently signaling areas that might need attention.

What can I say instead of "a hint of trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "a sign of difficulty", "a touch of difficulty", or "a suggestion of difficulty" depending on the context.