tip-off

[ tip-awf, -of ]

noun

, Informal.

1. the act of tipping off.
2. a hint or warning:

   They got a tip-off on the raid.

tip-off

noun

1. a warning or hint, esp given confidentially and based on inside information
2. basketball the act or an instance of putting the ball in play by a jump ball

verb

1. tr, adverb to give a hint or warning to

Word History and Origins

Origin of tip-off¹

First recorded in 1910–15; noun use of verb phrase tip off

Idioms and Phrases

Supply with secret or private information; also, warn or alert. For example, The broker often tipped her off about stocks about to go down in price , or Somehow they were tipped off and left the country before the police could catch them . [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Police launched an inquiry following an anonymous tip-off in March 2023.

From BBC

Following tip-offs from women and from bar staff concerned about the scheme's implementation, BBC researchers posed as a couple on a date to test venues that actively promoted their involvement.

From BBC

Following several tip-offs, London Zoo bird-keepers headed to the home of a family in Buckden, who had searched online for missing bird reports after spotting the macaws resting in trees in their garden.

From BBC

Over several weeks, the BBC visited dozens of food establishments in east London, following tip-offs that deception about ratings in the area was rife.

From BBC

He was only caught after uploading a clip in which he tortured at least eight dogs - all except one were puppies - which was passed on to NT police in an anonymous tip-off.

From BBC