Drop a hint

[0996] Take a hint

🎲 Between you and me
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To understand an indirect suggestion, clue, or signal, especially one indicating something negative (e.g., that one should leave, stop talking, or that one's presence/actions are unwanted).
  • Often used in the negative (can't take a hint) to criticize someone's lack of social awareness.

Origin

  • The logical counterpart to drop a hint.
  • Take here means to receive, understand, or grasp the meaning.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Get the message
  • Understand the implication
  • Read between the lines
  • Catch the drift
  • Pick up on the cues/clues
  • Get the picture
  • Read the room (Understand the overall mood/situation)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Get the message
  • Catch the drift
  • Get with the program (Understand the situation/expectations)
  • Figure it out
  • Get clued in
  • Read the room

Milder/Standard:

  • Understand the indirect suggestion
  • Perceive the implication
  • Be receptive to subtlety
  • Recognize the cues

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Directly telling someone Take a hint! is often rude or aggressive.
  • Saying I can take a hint is common and generally acceptable self-awareness.
  • Discussing someone else's inability to take a hint is informal gossip or commentary.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners might miss the implied criticism or social awkwardness associated with *not* taking a hint.
  • The specific *content* of the hint needs to be inferred from the context.

Examples

  • I yawned three times, but he just couldn't take a hint.
  • She asked if I needed anything else, which I took as a hint to leave the shop as it was closing time.
  • Okay, I can take a hint! You want some quiet time. I'll go.

Dialogue

Guest (at a party, late at night): ...and then in 2017, I switched my investment strategy entirely! Let me tell you all about it...

Host (Cleaning up around the guest): Wow, it's really getting late. I've got such an early morning tomorrow. Big day.

Guest: Oh, for sure. So anyway, the portfolio diversification...

Host's Partner (Quietly to Host): Seriously? He just can't take a hint, can he?

Host (To Guest, more firmly): Well, Bob, it was great having you, but we really need to call it a night now.

Guest: Oh! Right, right. Sorry. Okay, message received. I can take a hint! I'll get my coat.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Sent three '👍' emojis in a row hoping they'd end the convo, but nope. Some people just can't take a hint. #TextingProblems
  • Reddit Comment: If they keep giving one-word answers and take hours to reply, maybe take the hint? They're probably not interested.
  • Facebook Post: Had to basically spell out that the party was over. Why is it so hard for some folks to take a hint? 😩

Response Patterns

  • If someone says Take a hint! (which is quite direct/rude), the expected response is compliance.
  • If someone says I can take a hint, they usually follow up by doing what was implied (leaving, changing subject, etc.).
  • If discussing someone else: Yeah, he never takes the hint. Response: I know, it's so awkward.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • If someone fails to take a hint, the 'hinter' might become more direct or give up.
  • If someone correctly takes the hint, they perform the implied action, often ending that part of the interaction.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a response, an observation, or a (usually critical) description of someone's (lack of) understanding.

Intonation

  • Can't TAKE a HINT often said with exasperation or annoyance.
  • I can TAKE a HINT often said with resignation, understanding, or sometimes mild offense.
  • Emphasis on TAKE and HINT.

Generation Differences

  • Common and understood across all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Drop a hint
🎲 Between you and me