give to understand
give to understand {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To make a person think that something is true but not tell him; suggest; hint.
Mr. Johnson gave Billy to understand that he would pay him if he helped him clean the yard.
2. To make a person understand by telling him very plainly or boldly.
Frank was given to understand in a short note from the boss that he was fired.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
