got the hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got the hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone understands an implied message or suggestion without it being explicitly stated. Example: "After several subtle comments about the weather, I finally got the hint that she wanted to go for a walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Finally, he got the hint: they kissed.

The New York Times

He got the hint, and they spent the day flirting.

The Guardian

"He got the hint and cut out pretty quick".

The New York Times

The friends-of-a-friend usually got the hint and introduced themselves.

The New York Times

I kept telling them, 'No, I don't teach.' Finally, I got the hint".

The New York Times

He was clearly delighted with his shower, and I got the hint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Still not getting the hint?

The New Yorker

Mr. Kim may have gotten the hint.

The New York Times

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

"You know why" is what she says, but Saadi gets the hint.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got the hint" when you want to express that someone understood an indirect message or suggestion, especially when it wasn't explicitly stated. It adds a touch of subtlety and implies that the person was perceptive.

Common error

Avoid using "got the hint" when the message was directly stated. The phrase works best when the understanding comes from an implicit suggestion rather than a clear declaration. If the message was explicit, consider using "understood the message" instead.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "got the hint" functions as a declarative expression indicating comprehension of an indirect message or suggestion. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a common expression in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got the hint" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone has understood an implied message or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for broad communication. While informal, it's best used when understanding comes from implicit suggestions rather than clear declarations. Consider alternatives like "understood the implication" or "grasped the meaning" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understood the implication

Focuses on understanding a subtle suggestion, differing from merely acknowledging a hint.

grasped the meaning

Emphasizes understanding the underlying message or intention.

perceived the suggestion

Highlights the act of noticing and interpreting the indirect communication.

took the cue

Implies acting upon the hint, not just understanding it.

recognized the signal

Similar to taking the cue, but frames the hint as a signal.

realized what was implied

Focuses on the realization aspect of understanding the indirect message.

comprehended the subtext

Indicates understanding the implied meaning beyond the surface level.

picked up on it

A more informal way to express understanding a subtle message.

caught on

An informal alternative meaning to understand something after a period of confusion or uncertainty

saw the writing on the wall

Implies recognizing an inevitable outcome based on indirect signs, often negative.

FAQs

What does "got the hint" mean?

"Got the hint" means to understand an implied message or suggestion without it being explicitly stated.

What can I say instead of "got the hint"?

You can use alternatives like "understood the implication", "grasped the meaning", or "took the cue" depending on the context.

Is "got the hint" formal or informal?

"Got the hint" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most conversational and news contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "understood the implication" or "perceived the suggestion".

How do you use "got the hint" in a sentence?

Example: "After I mentioned how cold I was for the third time, he finally "took the cue" and offered me his jacket."