take a hint

phrase

: 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

Or, take a hint from the vintage photos in your suite; some depict Harbor Fish Market, the iconic purveyor on the waterfront. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026

If Walmart and McDonald’s can see that high prices are scaring off customers and quickly turn around and offer significant discounts, maybe California’s homebuying world should take a hint. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 13 July 2026

With a winter storm on its way and cold temperatures across the state, utility costs can take a hint. — Hannah Hudnall, IndyStar, 23 Jan. 2026

Maybe Zelenskyy should take a hint and dress more appropriately. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026

The good news is the annual ryegrass can take a hint, knowing when to leave the party. — Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Oh, blackheads—the tiny, stubborn dots that just won’t take a hint. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025

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

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

Rhymes for take a hint

• blueprint
• footprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint
• glint
• lint