big, broad, clear (esp. BrE), heavy, not-so-subtle (esp. AmE), obvious, strong
He gave a broad hint that he was on the verge of leaving.

gentle, little, subtle, vague
tantalizing
dark (esp. BrE)
early
There were early hints that their marriage might be in trouble.

drop, give (sb)
I dropped a few subtle hints about the payment being due.

catch (AmE), get, take
OK, I get the hint!
Can't you take a hint and leave me alone?

hint about
hint from
a hint from my boss about my absences from the office

hint to
Is that a hint to me to leave?

strong
a dish with a strong hint of garlic

barest, faint, little, merest, slightest, small, tiny
The slightest hint of gossip upset her.

occasional
first
She felt the first hint of panic as the train pulled into the station.

detect, notice, sense
Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?

show
He showed not a hint of remorse.

betray, reveal
Her voice betrayed a hint of uneasiness.

hint of
There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

at the first hint of sth
At the first hint of trouble I'll call the police.

handy, helpful, practical, useful
household

give (sb), offer (sb)

hint about
The book gives some useful hints about how to plan your garden.

hint on
a book full of handy hints on painting