hint

plural hints

1. A clue.

   I needed a hint to complete the crossword.

   Synonyms: indication, tip

2. An implicit suggestion that avoids a direct statement.

   He gave me a hint that my breath smelt.

   Synonyms: allusion, implication, innuendo, insinuation, nod

3. A small, barely detectable amount.

   There was a hint of irony in his voice.

   3 more examples

   I could taste a hint of lemon in my iced water.

   And I perceived no touch of change, ⁠No hint of death in all his frame, ⁠But found him all in all the same, […]

   1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “Canto XIV”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC, page 23

   Mother very rightly resented the slightest hint of condescension. She considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom,[…].

   1921, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC

   Synonyms: touch, trace, ace, atom, thought, atomy, aught, bissel

4. computingInformation in a computer-based font that suggests how the outlines of the font's glyphs should be distorted in order to produce, at specific sizes, a visually appealing pixel-based rendering; an instance of hinting.

   This font does not scale well to small sizes; the hints for the 10-point letter 'g' still need work.

5. computingAn instruction to the database engine as to how a query should be executed, for example whether to use an index or not.
6. obsoleteAn opportunity; occasion; fit time.

   I, not remembering how I cried out then, / Will cry it o'er again: it is a hint / That wrings mine eyes to't.

   1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]

   Synonyms: chance, moment

present singular third person hints · participle present hinting · participle past hinted · past hinted

1. intransitiveTo imply without a direct statement; to provide a clue.

   She hinted at the possibility of a recount of the votes.

   1 more example

   I have tried, as I hinted, to enlist the co-operation of other capitalists, but experience has taught me that any appeal is futile that does not impinge directly upon cupidity.

   1913, Robert Barr, chapter 4, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad

   Synonyms: intimate

2. transitiveTo bring to mind by a slight mention or remote allusion; to suggest in an indirect manner.

   to hint a suspicion

   2 more examples

   VVilling to vvound, and yet afraid to ſtrike, / Juſt hint a fault and heſitate diſlike; […]

   1735 January 13 (Gregorian calendar; indicated as 1734), [Alexander] Pope, An Epistle from Mr. Pope, to Dr. Arbuthnot, London: […] J[ohn] Wright for Lawton Gilliver […], →OCLC, page 11, lines 198–199

   We shall not describe this tragical scene too fully; but we thought ourselves obliged, by that historic integrity which we profess, shortly to hint a matter which we would otherwise have been glad to have spared.

   1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC

3. transitiveTo develop and add hints to a font.

   The typographer worked all day on hinting her new font so it would look good on computer screens.

4. nonstandardtransitiveTo give (a person) a hint; to tip off.

   If you find the treasure in the video game, please do not hint other players about it.

1. oftenreduplicationSignifies that something previously said should be taken as a hint or heeded closely.

   And yes, as long as you are being a good coder and engaging in safe practices, nothing should go wrong. (Hint, hint.)