noun
hint; intimation; suggestion; inkling
A subtle, indirect indication of something, often used when someone implies or alludes to a fact or feeling without stating it directly.
彼の言葉には、辞職のほのめかしがあった。
There was a hint of resignation in his words.
彼女はほのめかしだけで、はっきりとは言わなかった。
She only hinted at it and didn't say it clearly.
Verb form meaning 'to hint at' or 'to suggest indirectly'; ほのめかし is the noun form derived from it.
More formal and direct 'hint' or 'suggestion', often used in psychological or literary contexts.
Noun form of the verb ほのめかす, which is derived from 仄か (ほのか, 'faint, dim') + めかす (suffix meaning 'to make appear like').