take a hint

idiom

: to understand what someone is suggesting when he or she says something in an indirect way
"I have a lot of work to do." "OK, I'll leave. I can take a hint."

Examples of take a hint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At this concrete plan, the man who can't take a hint finally gets into his car and leaves. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 29 July 2023 Engineers could take a hint from sharpshooters—the mechanisms used by the bugs could lead to better ways to remove water from electronic devices; for example, a smartwatch that can eject liquid through speaker vibrations. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023 Headphones are a great way to keep from being the sounding board for your neighbor who can’t take a hint. Kristie Koerbel, New York Times, 24 May 2023 To make up for the lack of cabinetry, take a hint from this bathroom designed by Shari Francis and pop a basket beneath your vessel. Alyssa Longobucco, House Beautiful, 24 Oct. 2022 Maybe Dan Snyder can take a hint after all. Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2022 In an era when time is a luxury, take a hint from the glamour of yore and indulge in slow-moving, on-the-ground transport. Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2022 Here’s hoping maybe the Blue Bloods creators can take a hint and make one fan base very happy. Rebecca Norris, Country Living, 21 Aug. 2021 Now, if only some confectioner would take a hint and start making and selling my grandmother Lily Rose Stewart’s buttercream Easter eggs. Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, 3 Apr. 2021

Dictionary Entries Near take a hint

Cite this Entry

“Take a hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20hint. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!