Can't you take a hint?

Meaning: This is a way of telling someone that they should understand that you want them to leave you alone. It is like saying, I have been giving you hints that I want to be alone, but you are not understanding.

Choice of Words: "Hint" is a subtle suggestion or indication of something. "Take a hint" means to understand something that is not directly stated.

Alternative Expressions

Can't you take a hint?

Meaning: This means to ask someone if they are able to understand what is being implied without being explicitly stated. It's like saying, Do you not understand what I'm trying to say indirectly?

Choice of Words: Can't is a shortened form of the phrase "cannot," which means that someone is unable to do something. You refers to the person being spoken to. Take means to receive or accept something. Hint is a subtle or indirect suggestion or indication. When you put them together, "Can't you take a hint?" is a question asking someone if they are unable to understand what is being implied without being explicitly stated.

Are you unable to comprehend subtle cues?

Meaning: This means to ask someone if they are able to understand what is being implied without being explicitly stated. It's like saying, Do you not understand what I'm trying to say indirectly?

Choice of Words: Are is a verb that indicates a state of being. You refers to the person being spoken to. Unable means that someone is not able to do something. Comprehension means to understand or grasp the meaning of something. Subtle means not easily noticed or detected. Cues are signals or indications. When you put them together, "Are you unable to comprehend subtle cues?" is a question asking someone if they are not able to understand indirect or implied messages.

Why aren't you getting my indirect messages?

Meaning: This means to ask someone why they are not understanding what is being implied without being explicitly stated. It's like saying, Why don't you understand what I'm trying to say indirectly?

Choice of Words: Why is a question word that asks for a reason or explanation. Aren't is a shortened form of the phrase "are not," which means that someone is not doing something. You refers to the person being spoken to. Getting means to receive or obtain something. Indirect means not directly expressed or stated. Messages are communications that convey information. When you put them together, "Why aren't you getting my indirect messages?" is a question asking someone why they are not understanding what is being implied without being explicitly stated.

Related Expressions