tip-off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, predominantly journalistic and law enforcement contexts.
Quick answer
What does “tip-off” mean?
A secret warning or piece of confidential information, especially one given to the police or authorities about illegal activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secret warning or piece of confidential information, especially one given to the police or authorities about illegal activity.
A hint or signal that alerts someone to a fact or possibility, often in advance; the act of giving such information. Also used in basketball to describe the initial jump ball that starts the game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are nearly identical. The basketball 'tip-off' (start of the game) is more prominent in American English due to the sport's popularity.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes crime, policing, and journalism. The basketball connotation is neutral/sporting.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British news media, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “tip-off” in a Sentence
[The police] received a tip-off [about the robbery].[An anonymous caller] gave the tip-off [that led to the arrest].The raid followed a tip-off [from a neighbour].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tip-off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- An informant tipped off the customs officers.
- I can't tell you who tipped me off.
American English
- Someone tipped off the FBI about the plot.
- He was tipped off to buy the stock before the announcement.
adjective
British English
- The tip-off call was recorded.
- They had a tip-off lead about the location.
American English
- The tip-off information was crucial.
- A tip-off witness came forward.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in context of insider trading or confidential market information.
Academic
Very rare, except in criminology or media studies papers discussing police methods.
Everyday
Common in news consumption and discussions about crime. 'My neighbour gave the police a tip-off about the noisy parties.'
Technical
Common in law enforcement and journalism jargon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tip-off”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tip-off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tip-off”
- Using 'tip-off' as a verb without the hyphen in noun form (e.g., 'He gave a tip off').
- Confusing 'tip-off' (secret info) with 'tip' (general advice).
- Misspelling as 'tipof' or 'tipoff' (though 'tipoff' is sometimes accepted).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is hyphenated: 'tip-off'. As a phrasal verb, it is two words: 'to tip someone off'.
Yes, but it's less common. It can mean any advance hint or warning (e.g., 'His nervousness was a tip-off that he was lying'). The basketball term is a specific, separate use.
A 'tip' is general advice or a suggestion (e.g., a gardening tip). A 'tip-off' specifically implies confidential or advance information, usually about something hidden or wrong.
Yes, that is a very common collocation (e.g., 'He gave a tip-off to the police').
A secret warning or piece of confidential information, especially one given to the police or authorities about illegal activity.
Tip-off is usually informal, predominantly journalistic and law enforcement contexts. in register.
Tip-off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪp ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɪp ɑːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The tip of the iceberg (related conceptually, but not the same phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone secretly TIPPING their hat to OFFer a clue to a detective.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A LEVER (to tip something over/to start an action); SECRECY IS A CONTAINER (the tip lets information out).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'tip-off' LEAST likely to be used?