a nod is as good as a wink

IPA/ɐ nˈɒd ɪz az ɡˈʊd az ɐ wˈɪŋk/
IPA/ɐ nˈɑːd ɪz æz ɡˈʊd æz ɐ wˈɪŋk/

a nod is as good as a wink — idiom

1. said when even a very small signal is enough for someone to catch the hidden mea

1.慣用語C1
釋義

said when even a very small signal is enough for someone to catch the hidden meaning or realize at once what is happening

例句

Adina saw the eyebrow raise; a nod was as good as a wink.

used after a tiny visual hint

Nadia said "midnight train"; Haruto knew a nod was as good as a wink.

shared code words make the hint enough

同義詞
  • say no more

    more informal and often used as a reply once the message is already understood

  • get the message

    describes understanding the hint, not the hint itself

  • take the hint

    focuses on accepting an indirect suggestion, sometimes with mild pressure

反義詞

文法句型

a nod is as good as a wink to someone

a nod is as good as a wink when both people already know

用法筆記

Often used when two people already share background knowledge, so an indirect remark, look, or small movement is enough. It is usually slightly humorous and comments on the ease of understanding rather than on the signal itself.

常見錯誤

❌After the manager explained every detail, a nod was as good as a wink.
✅After one quick look from the manager, a nod was as good as a wink.
💡the idiom is used when very little needs to be said, not after a full explanation.
❌I gave him a nod as good as a wink.
✅To him, a nod was as good as a wink.
💡the expression comments on how a small signal is understood; it is not a thing you 'give' as an object.