"take the hint"?

[Ana Laura]

hi!
I would like to know the meaning of it in this sentence:
" ... when we are too polite to say "I'd like to leave" and most people will take the hint..."
I would like to know also what is the meaning of "non-verbal leakage".
bye
Ana-

[Ouisch]

when we are too polite to say "I'd like to leave" and most people will take the hint


This refers to giving a subtle clue to someone (perhaps at a boring party) that you're ready to leave, without actually saying those words. If you want to leave, and your spouse is still having fun, you could perhaps make a few exaggerated yawns and make a comment such as "My goodness, I didn't realize how late it is!" Hopefully your spouse will "take the hint" that you're tired and want to go home.

"Non-verbal leakage" usually refers to what is called body language. If, for example, you're listening to someone express their point of view, but you've got your arms crossed in front of you, that's supposedly "body language" signalling that you disagree with what they're saying.