- To make an indirect suggestion or allusion; to imply something subtly without stating it directly.
Explanation
Origin
- Drop suggests letting something fall casually or gently into the conversation.
- Hint means an indirect clue or suggestion.
- The combination implies a subtle, low-key way of suggesting something. Used since at least the mid-19th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Put feelers out (Subtly test the waters or gauge interest)
- Give a nudge (A gentle suggestion or reminder)
- Send smoke signals (Humorous exaggeration for obvious hints)
Milder/Standard:
- Suggest subtly
- Imply
- Allude to
- Make an indirect reference to
- Signal
Situational Appropriateness
- Widely applicable in both informal and semi-formal situations.
- Useful when directness might seem rude, demanding, or awkward (e.g., suggesting a gift, indicating boredom, wanting someone to leave).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The primary risk isn't misunderstanding the *phrase*, but the *hint itself*. Hints can easily be too subtle, missed entirely, or misinterpreted by the listener.
Examples
- I wasn't sure if he wanted me to leave, but he kept dropping hints about how early he had to wake up.
- She dropped a hint that she'd love to see that new exhibit.
- Maybe drop a hint about needing help instead of complaining?
Dialogue
Person A: My birthday is next week!
Person B: Oh, cool! Any plans?
Person A: Not yet... but I did see this amazing little bookstore downtown that just opened... (Looks meaningfully at Person B)
Person B: Oh nice! Bookstores are great.
Person A (later, to a friend): I tried to drop a hint about wanting a book from that new store for my birthday, but I don't think they caught on.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Husband keeps sighing dramatically while looking at the overflowing dishwasher... is he dropping a hint? 🤔 #MarriedLife #SubtleNudges
- Instagram Story: Picture of a travel magazine open to a page about Paris, with text: Just gonna leave this here... maybe someone will drop a hint to Santa? 😉 #TravelDreams #Hints
- Facebook Status: Anyone else's parents experts at dropping hints about wanting grandchildren?
Response Patterns
- The phrase describes an action. The *reaction* is from the person receiving the hint (or failing to).
- Someone hearing *about* the dropped hint might ask: Did they get it? / Did they take the hint? / What exactly did you say?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The person dropping the hint waits to see if the listener understands and reacts appropriately.
- If the hint isn't taken, they might drop a stronger hint, give up, or become more direct.
Conversation Starter
- No. It describes a *method* of communicating within a conversation.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on DROP and HINT.
- Just DROP a HINT and see if they notice.
- Can be said slyly or conspiratorially.
Generation Differences
- Common and understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.