# give someone to understand

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-to-understand
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To tell someone, especially indirectly; to insinuate.

## Examples

- He gave me to understand that the meeting was cancelled.
- The manager gave us to understand that layoffs might happen if the company does not improve its profits soon.
- Although he never explicitly confirmed his resignation, his cryptic comments gave his colleagues to understand that he would be leaving the firm by the end of the month.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.