Skip to learning
Practice

THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Drop a hint

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Suggest something indirectly instead of saying it openly.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I dropped a hint that I would like a quieter desk.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Suggest something indirectly instead of saying it openly.
Show the answer

Drop a hint — Suggest something indirectly instead of saying it openly.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Drop a hint” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Suggest something indirectly instead of saying it openly.

Compare: I dropped a hint that I would like a quieter desk.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this conversational expression when someone gives a subtle clue about a wish, idea or preference. Hints can be missed, so direct requests are sometimes clearer.

More examples in context

  • Sam keeps dropping hints about a surprise party.
  • She dropped me a hint about which topic to revise.

Usage note

You can “drop a hint”, “drop hints” or “drop someone a hint”. An explicit request such as “Please close the window” is not a hint.

A short conversation

A: Did you ask for a new backpack?
B: I only dropped a hint that the zip on mine is broken.
A: They might not realise you want a replacement.

One more practice question

Which sentence drops a hint about wanting a drink?

A. “That lemonade looks refreshing.”
B. “Please give me a glass of lemonade.”

Check your answer

A. The first sentence suggests interest indirectly; the other makes a direct request.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

Share this idiom