dropped a hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropped a hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone subtly suggests or implies something without stating it directly. Example: "During the meeting, she dropped a hint about a possible promotion for those who excel in their projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Flower dropped a hint about the way he might be thinking.

Independent

The one time Bobby had dropped a hint, he'd suggested something of the sort.

The New Yorker

Those Sunderland supporters that remained dropped a hint to the club's owner.

The Guardian - Sport

Last month, Williams dropped a hint that next season would be "the end of Arya, as far as anyone knows".

Independent

It wasn't until last year that he finally dropped a hint, and even then it was fairly cryptic.

The New Yorker

Surely he had dropped a hint to his wife, who has always been his closest confidante and adviser?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Did Michael Cohen just drop a hint about flipping on Trump?

The Washington Post

"We're trying to figure out what we'll do next," he said, dropping a hint.

The New York Times

She did, however, drop a hint about a possible new television role.

The Guardian

Perhaps he was dropping a hint that Ortiz was no longer guaranteed to be the designated hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

To be fair, though, it's Ramírez who dares to drop a hint about the bond between the two adventurers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "dropped a hint". Ensure the hint is clear enough to be understood, but not so obvious as to be unsubtle.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "dropped a hint", as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "gave a clue" or "suggested subtly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropped a hint" functions as a verb phrase. It indicates an action of subtly suggesting something, often to convey information indirectly. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dropped a hint" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of subtly suggesting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions like "gave a clue" or "suggested subtly" for varied expression. Remember to tailor the use of hints based on audience and context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave a clue

Focuses on providing a piece of information that aids in solving a puzzle or understanding something.

offered an indication

Emphasizes providing a sign or signal about something that might happen or be the case.

suggested subtly

Highlights the act of making a suggestion in a delicate or indirect manner.

intimated gently

Implies communicating something delicately, often about something sensitive.

implied indirectly

Focuses on conveying a meaning without stating it explicitly.

gave an inkling

Indicates providing a slight suspicion or vague idea.

hinted around

Describes the act of suggesting something without being direct or specific.

alluded to

Highlights making an indirect reference to something.

leaked a suggestion

Implies revealing a suggestion, often unofficially or secretly.

intimated slightly

Focuses on a faint or small communication of something.

FAQs

What does "dropped a hint" mean?

The phrase "dropped a hint" means to subtly suggest something without stating it directly. It implies providing a clue or indication about something.

How can I use "dropped a hint" in a sentence?

You can use "dropped a hint" when you want to indicate that someone has subtly suggested something. For example, "During the meeting, the CEO "dropped a hint" about potential company restructuring".

What are some alternatives to "dropped a hint"?

Some alternatives to "dropped a hint" include "gave a clue", "suggested subtly", or "offered an indication". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "drop a hint" or be direct?

Whether to "drop a hint" or be direct depends on the situation. Dropping a hint can be useful when you want to be tactful or avoid confrontation, while being direct is better when clarity and efficiency are paramount.