a nod's as good as a wink

nod's as good as a wink

An acknowledgement of the true but hidden meaning of an expression or statement. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Even though you said otherwise, I know you really have no interest in going out tonight—a nod's as good as a wink.

a nod's as good as a wink

BRITISH, HUMOROUS

If you say a nod's as good as a wink, you mean that it is not necessary to explain something further, because you understand what someone has indirectly suggested to you. Say no more. A nod's as good as a wink. Note: This comes from the saying `a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse', which suggests that both the nod and the wink are equally useless, as the horse would not be able to see either.

a nod's as good as a wink

there's no need for further elaboration or explanation.

This is a shortened form of the proverb, dating from the late 18th century, a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse , used to convey that a mere hint or suggestion can be or has been understood. A nod and a wink is also used to mean ‘a hint or innuendo’.