tip one's hand

Idioms and Phrases

Accidentally reveal one's intentions, as in He avoided any comments on birthdays for fear of tipping his hand about the surprise party . This idiom probably alludes to holding one's hand in such a way that others can see the cards one is holding. [ Colloquial ; early 1900s]

Related Words

• advise
• allude to
• broach
• imply
• inform
• mention
• refer to
• remind
• touch on