hint
noun
an indirect, covert, or helpful suggestion; clue.
had been hinting
-
past perfect progressiveof hint.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
The Rams had been hinting for weeks at their disenchantment with Goff, in whom they invested $110 million guaranteed via a contract extension signed 16 months ago.
From New York Times ● Jan. 31, 2021
Several sources said Bannon had been hinting for weeks that he might soon return to the helm of Breitbart News.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 18, 2017
For years, he had been hinting at comebacks - even as recently as March this year, when he announced on Twitter he was filming a new sitcom.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2017
Mr. Boehner surprised many Republicans when he told reporters what he had been hinting for a week: “The current plan is to see what the Senate can produce and to bring that bill up.”
From New York Times ● Mar. 9, 2012
This, the priest now besought him to do forthwith; and so escape the punishment which, it seems, Wilson had been hinting at to his intercessor.
From Omoo by Herman Melville
