Question 1

What does "tip off" mean?

Accepted Answer

To secretly warn or give inside information to someone, especially to help them avoid trouble or catch someone else.

Question 2

How do you use "tip off" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

An anonymous caller tipped off the police about the planned robbery.

Question 3

Is "tip off" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"tip off" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. Common in journalism, crime, and sports contexts. The noun 'tip-off' (always hyphenated or one word as a noun) is very frequently used. Often implies the information is confidential or passed privately. Also used as the start of a basketball game (the tip-off), though this sense is rarely used as a verb.

tip off

Expressions associées

Plus avec "off"