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take a hint

Idioms  
  1. 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.

For seeming unable to take a hint, Judge Beetlestone risks a rebuke.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Meredith is long-winded and short-sighted, unable to take a hint, let alone relax.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

Speaking as a loyal Bruin alumnus, maybe Dan Guerrero will take a hint from Lynn Swann and likewise resign.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2019

There is no reason why you should be setting timers and internally clucking at his inability to take a hint.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2017

He murped, then went to the edge of the overgrowth and stood there agitatedly, waiting for me to follow, glaring at me like I was an idiot who didn’t know how to take a hint.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

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