tip-off
nounUK /ˈtɪp ɒf/
US /ˈtɪp ɔːf/
A tip-off is a secret warning that tells someone something is about to happen.
The police caught the robbers after a tip-off from a neighbor.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The act of starting a game, especially a basketball game, by throwing the ball up between two players.
The game began with a tip-off at center court.
3. A piece of secret information given to the police or authorities about a crime.
Acting on a tip-off, officers searched the warehouse.
4. A sign or indication that something is beginning or about to happen.
The first cold wind was a tip-off that winter had arrived.