catch the hint

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch the hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to suggest something without explicitly saying it. For example, "She keeps hinting that she wants a new phone - try to catch the hint!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If you skip the butter, you'll catch the hint of sweetness connoisseurs talk about.

The New York Times - Travel

You might never taste that tobacco, or catch the hint of violet, or think that there's anything grapefruity about what you're drinking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I listen to the self-shredding waves, squeak a finger of ice plant between my own, gaze into the higher blue, and sometimes, when among the upper currents I catch the hint of a hopeful, insistent flapping, I almost imagine the father has come finally to life.

The New Yorker

So, make this look like a mystery so they can wonder...Later on,they will catch the hint and be guilty.Just don't do this wrong!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I found the moonshine quite smooth, though I didn't catch the "hints of delicate caramel" the Web site touts — more like hints of the low-grade grain alcohol we used to spike punch with in college.

The New York Times - Travel

Nothing else catches the hint of spring from them.

The New York Times

The plan consists of three strategies: disrupting the mosquitoes' reproduction, monitoring mosquitoes and birds for signs of the virus, and finally, instituting new procedures at hospitals to catch the earliest hint of human cases.

The New York Times

The moment is radiant — Hoffman's stiff fingers and hint of smile somehow catch the soul's struggle to turn will into command.

The New Yorker

The moment is radiant Hoffman's stiff fingers and hint of smile somehow catch the soul's struggle to turn will into command.

The New Yorker

While no one is looking to traumatize the tykes, it's galling that we have to wait for the end credits to catch a hint of the enormity of the filmmakers' task.

The New York Times

But you would have to read very carefully in this volume to catch a hint of the Celtic Tiger, of the building boom in Ireland in the '90's and of the economic downturn that has again emptied the countryside.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch the hint" when you want to imply a degree of subtlety or cleverness in understanding an indirect suggestion. It works well in informal contexts and when the hint is not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "catch the hint" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and explicit language to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Using phrases like "understand the implication" or "recognize the suggestion" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch the hint" functions as a verbal idiom, indicating the act of understanding an indirect suggestion or implication. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from personal interactions to broader interpretations of events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catch the hint" is a common idiom used to describe understanding an indirect suggestion or implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though more suited for informal contexts. While alternatives like "understand the implication" or "get the message" exist, "catch the hint" implies a certain subtlety and cleverness. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its general usage. When using "catch the hint", consider your audience and the level of formality required, opting for more direct language in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand the implication

Focuses on understanding the underlying meaning, not necessarily the subtlety of the suggestion.

realize what's implied

Focuses on becoming aware of something suggested but not explicitly stated.

perceive the suggestion

Emphasizes the act of noticing the indirect message.

take the cue

Implies action based on the understood hint.

grasp the meaning

Broader term for understanding the underlying meaning, not specific to hints.

recognize the undertones

Stresses the ability to notice the unspoken attitudes or feelings.

decipher the subtext

Focuses on uncovering hidden meanings within a text or conversation.

get the message

More direct and less subtle than "catch the hint".

become aware of the insinuation

Highlights the subtle and often negative nature of the implied message.

see the writing on the wall

Suggests recognizing an impending outcome from indirect signs.

FAQs

What does "catch the hint" mean?

To "catch the hint" means to understand an indirect suggestion or implication, especially when it's not stated explicitly. It implies being perceptive enough to understand the underlying message.

How can I use "catch the hint" in a sentence?

You can use "catch the hint" in a sentence like, "She was dropping subtle clues about wanting a gift, hoping he would catch the hint." or "He didn't catch the hint that she wanted him to leave."

What are some alternatives to "catch the hint"?

You can use alternatives like "get the message", "understand the implication", or "take the cue" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "catch the hint" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "catch the hint" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, it's better to use more direct and explicit phrases to ensure clarity and avoid any potential ambiguity.