dropping a hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropping a hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest something indirectly or subtly without stating it outright. Example: "She was dropping a hint about wanting to go to the concert this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

Brian watches on without saying much in the teaser, other than dropping a hint that the crossover episode will definitely be a one-off.

Independent

Then again, when his wife was momentarily out of earshot, he couldn't resist grinning and dropping a hint at brand expansion.

The New York Times - Food

That's my roundabout way of dropping a hint about today's theme as we pass go and get down to discussing the puzzle.

The New York Times

Rachel's busy schedule had given her only one free weekend that month and, after dropping a hint to Tom, he asked her out on a date to have brunch at a café in Spitalfields Market.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

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

The Washington Post

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

Independent

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dropping a hint" when you want to subtly suggest something without stating it directly. It's ideal for situations where you want to be delicate or avoid being too forward.

Common error

While "dropping a hint" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct language to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropping a hint" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of indirectly suggesting something. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, illustrating how speakers and writers use the phrase to convey information in a subtle manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dropping a hint" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of indirectly suggesting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, media, and general conversational contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of conveying information subtly, avoiding directness. While acceptable in a range of settings, from news reports to casual conversations, it's essential to use it judiciously in highly formal or professional documents where clarity and directness are paramount. Alternatives such as "suggesting subtly" or "implying" may be preferable in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hinting at

Directly uses a form of the word "hint" but with a different grammatical structure.

suggesting subtly

Emphasizes the indirect and delicate manner of making a suggestion.

giving an indication

Focuses on providing a sign or clue about something.

implying

Focuses on the act of suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

signaling indirectly

Emphasizes the use of signals rather than direct communication.

intimating

Highlights a subtle and indirect way of communicating an idea.

insinuating

Involves a subtle and often negative way of suggesting something.

tipping off

Suggests providing a confidential or secret hint.

leaving clues

Focuses on the action of providing indirect signs or pieces of information.

making an allusion

Highlights the use of indirect reference to suggest something.

FAQs

What does "dropping a hint" mean?

Dropping a hint means suggesting something indirectly or subtly, without stating it explicitly. It's a way of communicating an idea in a less direct manner.

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

You can use alternatives like "suggesting subtly", "hinting at", or "implying" depending on the context.

How do you use "dropping a hint" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "She was dropping a hint about wanting a new phone." It indicates she was indirectly suggesting her desire.

What is the difference between "dropping a hint" and "stating directly"?

"Dropping a hint" is indirect and subtle, while "stating directly" is clear and explicit. The former leaves room for interpretation, whereas the latter leaves no doubt about the message.