Sean
Does anyone help me with my sencond sentence plz? 1.Suddenly the horse jumped up and tipped its rider off. ( tip=tilt, off= from, "tip" n "off" are used in a sense that is very close to their literal meanings. Easy to understand, clear) 2. The police must have been tipped off. (Tip=? , off= ?, which seem to be used in a sense that is way far from their literal meanings. Hard to understand , confusing) Why " tip" + "off" = give someone a secret warning or information ? Thanks for your help in advance.
May 30, 2015 6:29 AM
Answers · 1
1
You are correct, it is a colloquialism, not a direct meaning. To "tip off" is to warn; you could also say "give a heads up".
May 30, 2015
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