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Meaning of tip-off
The primary meaning of "tip-off" is to give someone a hint or warning about something, often secretly or informally.
Etymology of tip-off
The term "tip-off" originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the idea of giving someone a subtle or clandestine signal, such as a tip of the head or a slight nod, to convey information or warn them about something.
The phrase is thought to have originated in the United States, where it was initially used in the context of sports, particularly boxing, to describe a signal or warning given to a fighter about their opponent's strategy or weaknesses.
Synonyms
Definitions
- A tip-off is a hint or warning given to someone, often secretly or informally, about a particular situation or piece of information.
- It can also refer to the act of giving someone a tip-off, or the information itself that is being conveyed.
Usage Examples
- The police received a tip-off about a potential robbery and were able to prevent it from happening.
- The company gave its employees a tip-off about the upcoming merger, but asked them to keep it confidential.
- The journalist got a tip-off from a trusted source about a major scandal involving government officials.