take a hint

Idioms

Also, take the hint. Accept an indirect or covert suggestion, as in Evelyn took the hint and quietly left the room. This idiom was first recorded in 1711.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And in future, when dog-like men fight for a bone, Take a hint, Mr. Bartley, and leave them alone.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105, August 12th 1893 by Various

Take a hint, cousin; put yourself on the right side.

From My Lady Rotha A Romance by Weyman, Stanley J.

"Take a hint and stay at home," she went on.

From Ranching for Sylvia by Bindloss, Harold

Take a hint from me, and believe it, though it is darkly expressed.

From Peveril of the Peak by Scott, Walter, Sir

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023