dropping a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropping a clue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to giving hints or subtle indications about something, often in a context of mystery or problem-solving. Example: "The detective was skilled at dropping a clue that would lead the audience to the solution without revealing too much too soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He tells us, however, that "accident in history is rife", dropping a clue that this is not going to be a story of historical inevitability or psychological determinism.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An anecdote reported by Weski in the Whitney catalogue drops a clue.

The New Yorker

"I had someone drop a clue at her door," said Mr. Heyderman, who is president and chief executive of Multi Dimensional Resources.

The New York Times

And in evoking this rich context Mr. Fisher drops a clue that helps explain the Jameses as well as any other.

The New York Times - Books

There are hints and allusions throughout, but she usually pulls the listener away after having dropped a clue.

The Guardian - Music

Every so often, Hoffa drops a clue that his quest for the teamster presidency is motivated by something deeper than his love for the workingman.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is one of the great mysteries around the Mets, and the person in the middle of it never drops a clue.

The New York Times - Sports

When I ask Holland if he'd like to do more comedy, he drops a clue about his forthcoming portrayal of Peter Parker: "I'm sure there will be a lot of levity throughout Spider-Man but I'd love to do a comedy in the future".

Independent

She's tight-lipped about the details but it's set in a period slightly later than the Chronicles, though still pre-history, in a "culture further south" (she dropped a clue about volcanoes), and features another boy hero with a fearless female friend.

The Guardian - Books

McAfee unwittingly drops a clue in this statement.

Huffington Post

Prince William then appeared to drop a clue about the royal baby's name.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dropping a clue" when you want to subtly suggest something without explicitly stating it, particularly in contexts where mystery or investigation is involved.

Common error

While "dropping a clue" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in overly formal or academic writing where more direct language is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropping a clue" functions as a verb phrase, where "dropping" is a gerund acting as a verb, and "clue" is a noun. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English when referring to giving hints or subtle indications about something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dropping a clue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the act of subtly hinting at something. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, and aims to indirectly suggest information. While versatile, it might be too informal for academic writing, where more precise language is preferred. Related phrases include "giving a hint" and "offering a suggestion", which can serve as more formal alternatives. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinting at something

Highlights the indirectness and subtlety of the suggestion.

leaving a hint

Focuses on the action of intentionally abandoning a suggestion for someone to discover.

giving a hint

Focuses on the act of providing a suggestion or piece of information indirectly.

intimating something

Emphasizes a more delicate and subtle way of conveying information.

alluding to something

Indicates making an indirect reference, often to something well-known.

offering a suggestion

Implies a more deliberate act of presenting an idea for consideration.

providing an inkling

Suggests giving a slight or uncertain feeling about something.

teasing an idea

Involves giving just enough information to create interest or curiosity.

planting a seed

Implies introducing an idea with the intention of it growing or developing.

leaking information

Suggests an unauthorized or unintentional release of information.

FAQs

How can I use "dropping a clue" in a sentence?

You can use "dropping a clue" to describe the act of giving a subtle hint, like "The detective was skilled at dropping a clue that would lead the audience to the solution." or "The author was dropping a clue about the protagonist's past."

What's a more formal alternative to "dropping a clue"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "providing a hint", "offering a suggestion", or "intimating something" /s/offering+a+suggestion.

Is "dropping a clue" suitable for academic writing?

While understandable, "dropping a clue" might be too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and direct alternatives like "implying" or "suggesting" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "dropping a clue" and "giving a hint"?

"Dropping a clue" often implies a more subtle or less intentional act of providing information, while "giving a hint" suggests a more direct or deliberate action. Both aim to provide insight, but their levels of subtlety differ.