- To understand an indirect suggestion (a hint) and, usually, to act accordingly (e.g., stop doing something, leave, understand the unspoken message). Frequently used negatively (can't take a hint) to criticize someone's lack of social awareness.
Explanation
Origin
- Take means to receive, accept, or understand.
- You are understanding the hint that someone else dropped (see #1013).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Get the message (very common synonym)
- Catch on
- Wise up (implies realization after previous ignorance)
- Figure it out
- Get with the program (understand the situation/expectations)
Milder/Standard:
- Understand the implied meaning
- Perceive the subtle cues
- Recognize the hint
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing extreme frustration):
- Why the fuck won't you take the hint?
- Just piss off already! (The action often desired when someone won't take a hint to leave).
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. The phrase Can't you take a hint? is direct and critical, best used when patience is exhausted, or among close peers. Describing someone as unable to take a hint is common informal commentary.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Fairly straightforward, but emphasize it relates to understanding *indirectness*. The negative form is a strong criticism of social perceptiveness.
Examples
- I looked at my watch pointedly, but he couldn't take a hint and kept talking.
- She asked him to stop calling, and thankfully, he finally took the hint.
- (Assurance): Okay, okay, I can take a hint. I'll give you some space.
- (Exasperated): I've said I'm busy three times! Why can't you take a hint?!
Dialogue
Friend 1: I kept trying to end the conversation, saying I had work to do...
Friend 2: Did Alex take the hint?
Friend 1: Not a chance! Talked for another 20 minutes. I eventually had to just hang up. Some people cannot take a hint!
Social Media Examples
- Vent Tweet: If I leave you on 'read' for days, maybe TAKE A HINT?! #communication #datingwoes
- Post: My dog keeps bringing me his leash and staring. Okay boy, I can take a hint! Walk time! 🐶 #doglife
- Comment: Glad she finally took the hint and stopped inviting herself over.
Response Patterns
- If told Can't you take a hint?: Often embarrassment, apology (Oh! Sorry!), or withdrawal. Sometimes defensiveness (I didn't realize!).
- Assuring someone: Alright, loud and clear. I take the hint.
- Commenting on others: Some people just can't take a hint, can they?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The person failing to take the hint might eventually realize their obliviousness and feel awkward.
- The person giving the hint might resort to more direct communication if the hint isn't taken.
- Observers might gossip about the lack of social grace.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually a comment on understanding (or failing to understand) indirect communication, or an exasperated command.
Intonation
- Statement: Stress on take (or past tense took) and hint. He finally TOOK the HINT.
- Negative question/command: Strong, often frustrated stress on TAKE and HINT. CAN'T you TAKE a HINT?!
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.