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.

Question

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.

Answer

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".

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