tip-off

Noun

idiomatic

(idiomatic) An obvious clue or indication. / (idiomatic) A report of suspicious behaviour, especially to an authority.

Japanese Meaning

明らかな手がかり、兆候 / 不審な行動に関する情報、またはその報告

The paint smudge on the doorknob was the tip-off that someone had been inside the office.

ドアノブの塗料の汚れが、誰かがオフィスに入っていたという明らかな手がかりだった。

Sense（1）

(idiomatic) An obvious clue or indication.

The broken window and overturned plant pots were a tip-off that something was wrong.

Sense（2）

(idiomatic) A report of suspicious behaviour, especially to an authority.

The police received a tip-off about a recent bank robbery.

tip-offs

（ plural ）