hint of danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of danger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the danger is only subtle or suggested, without being overtly apparent or dangerous. For example, "The dark clouds rolling in gave a hint of danger to the otherwise peaceful afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

No hint of danger.

The Guardian - Arts

That hint of danger is significant.

The Guardian

Midfield creators raced back at a hint of danger.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, there had been little hint of danger.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a delicately inserted hint of danger to come.

The Guardian - Books

"He was very charming, but with a hint of danger.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's funny, plausible, harmless, yet spiky with hints of danger, and it doesn't outstay its welcome.

The New Yorker

As more bona fide uses led to a medical revolution — X-rays for medical imaging, radium for killing rapidly dividing cancer cells — hints of danger gradually accumulated.

The New York Times

It's a miasmic, ethereal sound, its ghostly intimations of luxurious sensuality stippled with dreamy hints of danger which, in the closing cover version, transforms "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" into the most sinister of torch songs.

Independent

There are hints of danger and confusion — and whiffs of Thom Yorke's falsetto — in the album's second song, "Beyond Reason," but by the next he is on a more direct path: "We'll turn out the lights/We just want a simple life".

The New York Times - Arts

The tantalizing early hints of danger in Mr. Butz's performance are underscored by Jack's jokey references to murder; by David Weiner's sinister lighting between scenes; and by Mark Bennett's sound design, which blends recordings of cozy standards like "Sentimental Journey" with ominous, horror-movie crackles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of danger" to subtly foreshadow potential risks or threats, creating suspense or intrigue without being overtly alarming. For example, when describing a character's personality, you might say they possess "a hint of danger" to make them more compelling.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of danger" when a situation clearly presents immediate and obvious danger. The phrase is most effective when the danger is subtle and not immediately apparent. Overusing it can diminish the impact of genuinely perilous situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of danger" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a subtle indication or suggestion of potential harm or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Literature

24%

General Conversation

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of danger" is a common and versatile expression used to describe subtle indications of potential risk or threat. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and well-suited for various contexts, particularly in news, literature, and general conversation. The phrase effectively creates suspense or intrigue by suggesting an underlying menace without being overtly alarming. Alternatives like "trace of danger" or "whiff of danger" can be used to convey even more subtle nuances. Remember to use the phrase when the danger is subtle rather than overt, and avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of danger

Implies an even subtler indication of danger, almost imperceptible.

suggestion of danger

Focuses on the implied presence of danger rather than a direct threat.

whiff of danger

Conveys a slight and brief sense of danger, similar to a fleeting scent.

touch of danger

Indicates a mild presence of danger, not overwhelming but noticeable.

undertone of danger

Suggests a subtle, underlying sense of danger that is not immediately obvious.

implication of danger

Highlights the indirect communication of potential danger.

element of risk

Shifts the focus to the presence of risk as a component of a situation.

sense of foreboding

Emphasizes a feeling that something bad is going to happen, implying potential danger.

aura of menace

Describes a surrounding atmosphere that suggests potential harm or danger.

inkling of peril

An inkling suggests a vague feeling or suspicion, and peril denotes serious and immediate danger.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of danger" in a sentence?

You can use "hint of danger" to describe a subtle sense of potential threat or risk. For example, "The abandoned house had a "hint of danger" about it, making us hesitant to enter".

What are some alternatives to "hint of danger"?

Some alternatives include "trace of danger", "suggestion of danger", or "whiff of danger", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hint of danger" in formal writing?

Yes, "hint of danger" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing subtle or underlying risks. It is commonly found in literature, news articles, and analytical reports.

What's the difference between "hint of danger" and "sign of danger"?

"Hint of danger" suggests a subtle, almost imperceptible indication of potential threat, whereas "sign of danger" implies a more noticeable and direct indication of immediate risk.