get the hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get the hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone should understand an implied message or suggestion without it being stated directly. Example: "After several comments about the weather, she finally said, 'I think it's time to leave,' and I got the hint that she wanted to go home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe Hulu will get the hint and start making biscotti.

The New Yorker

Finally, the public seemed to get the hint.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now it's time for corporate executives to get the hint.

The New York Times

But still you didn't get the hint and back off.

The Guardian

What I meant was, Don't touch me, but he didn't get the hint.

The New Yorker

In case you don't get the hint, there's a map of France on the wall.

The New York Times - Travel

Moles will quickly get the hint. 5. Set up electric fans.

The New York Times

Without comment, I respond in English, but they do not get the hint.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I kept reading, thinking that she would get the hint," Mr. Bruels said.

The New York Times

"He didn't get the hint that I was reporting directly to the President," he said.

The New Yorker

They'll get the hint.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get the hint", ensure the context provides enough subtle clues for the other party to reasonably understand the implied message. Avoid using it when direct communication is necessary to prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid overestimating the clarity of your hints. Sometimes, what seems obvious to you might not be apparent to others. If the situation is important, consider direct communication instead of relying solely on hints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the hint" functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate in a clause. It describes the action of understanding an indirect suggestion or implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get the hint" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone should understand an implied message or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to ensure hints are clear enough to prevent miscommunication. Alternatives like "take a hint" or "understand the implication" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a hint

Uses "take" instead of "get", slightly more active.

get the message

Focuses on receiving a communicated idea, implied or not.

catch the drift

Emphasizes understanding the general idea rather than a specific clue.

understand the implication

More formal and emphasizes the inferred meaning.

recognize the signal

Similar, but framed as understanding the non-verbal communication.

read between the lines

Highlights the need to infer meaning from what is not explicitly stated.

perceive the suggestion

More formal, highlights perceiving something not openly expressed.

grasp the subtlety

Focuses on understanding something delicate or understated.

decode the subtext

Highlights the skill to understand the hidden or underlying meaning.

see the writing on the wall

Understands what the future holds based on current signs and trends.

FAQs

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

You can use "get the hint" to suggest that someone should understand something implied. For example: "I've mentioned my allergies several times; you'd think he'd "get the hint" about the peanuts."

What does it mean to "get the hint"?

To "get the hint" means to understand a suggestion or implication that is not expressed directly. It implies recognizing a subtle cue or indirect communication.

Is there a more formal way to say "get the hint"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "understand the implication" or "perceive the suggestion" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "get the hint" and "take a hint"?

"Get the hint" refers to the act of understanding an implied message, while "take a hint" implies acting on that understanding. They are often used interchangeably, but "take a hint" suggests a behavioral response.