dead giveaway

USAGE SUMMARY

'dead giveaway' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when something makes the truth or answer obvious or unmistakable. For example: "The way he avoided my gaze was a dead giveaway - he had been lying to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last dead giveaway.

The New Yorker

The voice is a dead giveaway.

The New Yorker

The glasses are the dead giveaway.

The New Yorker

"Mark?" "Actually.... " His real name was a dead giveaway.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a dead giveaway to anyone who knew Gonzalez.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, just the name Buck Turgidson is a dead giveaway.

The New Yorker

A dead giveaway is the image used to promote it.

The New Yorker

It's a dead giveaway that you're home watching "Oprah".

The New York Times - Magazine

A shopping bag can be a dead giveaway.

The New York Times

"The hands were a dead giveaway," he said.

The New York Times

Wasn't Kit Harington's long hair a dead giveaway?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dead giveaway" when you want to emphasize that something is very obvious and easily reveals a hidden fact or intention.

Common error

While "dead giveaway" is effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "obvious clue" or "clear indication" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dead giveaway" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something that clearly and unmistakably reveals a fact, intention, or hidden truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe something obvious.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dead giveaway" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe something that unmistakably reveals a hidden fact or intention. As Ludwig AI suggests, its grammatical status is correct and the phrase is used very often in different contexts. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. While "dead giveaway" is effective, remember to vary your language and use synonyms like "obvious clue" or "clear indication" when appropriate. Knowing its typical function and purpose will help you employ the phrase "dead giveaway" more confidently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious clue

Focuses on the clarity and ease of detection of the revealing element.

clear indication

Highlights the straightforward nature of the revealing sign.

tell-tale sign

Emphasizes the revealing nature of the sign, often implying a negative connotation or something being exposed.

sure sign

Stresses the reliability and certainty of the indication.

giveaway

A shorter, more direct synonym focusing on the act of unintentionally revealing something.

smoking gun

Implies irrefutable evidence, often in a context of wrongdoing or mystery.

plain as day

Emphasizes the obviousness and lack of subtlety in the revelation.

unmistakable sign

Highlights the impossibility of misinterpreting the revealing element.

evident proof

Stresses the demonstrable and clear nature of the revealing information.

obvious to all

Focuses on the widespread recognizability and lack of secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "dead giveaway" in a sentence?

You can use "dead giveaway" to describe something that unintentionally reveals a fact or intention. For example: "His nervous fidgeting was a "dead giveaway" that he was lying."

What are some alternatives to "dead giveaway"?

Alternatives include "obvious clue", "clear indication", or "tell-tale sign", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dead giveaway" formal or informal?

"Dead giveaway" is generally considered an informal phrase, suitable for casual conversation and less formal writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "evident proof" or "unmistakable sign".

What makes something a "dead giveaway" rather than just a regular clue?

A "dead giveaway" implies that the revelation is not only obvious but also unintentional and often irreversible. It suggests a high degree of certainty and a lack of subtlety, more so than a simple clue.