give somebody to understand (that)to make someone believe that something is true, going to happen etc, without telling them this directly
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
give to understand v. phr.,
informal 1. To make a person think that something is true but not tell him; suggest; hint.
Mr. Johnson gave Billy to understand that he would pay him if he helped him clean the yard. 2. To make a person understand by telling him very plainly or boldly.
Frank was given to understand in a short note from the boss that he was fired. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲