hunch

on a hunch

With or based on a strong intuition (about something), rather than absolute knowledge. I opened the cabinet underneath the sink on a hunch that we'd find the keys there. On a hunch, I'd say that the president is likely to veto the bill.

See also: hunch, on

play a hunch

To make a decision based on instinct, intuition, or an educated guess. The detective played a hunch and went to investigate the warehouse by the docks. Sure enough, that's where he found the stolen goods. There's no penalty for guessing, so if you're not positive which answer is correct, just play a hunch and don't second-guess yourself too much.

See also: hunch, play

play (one's) hunch

To make a decision based on instinct, intuition, or an educated guess. The detective played his hunch and went to investigate the warehouse by the docks. Sure enough, that's where he found the stolen goods. There's no penalty for guessing, so if you're not positive which answer is correct, just play your hunch and don't second-guess yourself too much.

See also: hunch, play

have a hunch (that something is the case)

 and have a hunch about something

to have an idea about what did, will, or should happen; to have a feeling that something will or should happen. I had a hunch that you would be here when I arrived. I have a hunch about the way things will happen.

See also: have, hunch

hunch over

[for someone] to bend over. The wounded man hunched over and staggered to the window. He was hunched over with pain.

See also: hunch, over

hunch something up

to raise up or lift up some body part, usually the shoulders. He hunched his shoulders up in his effort to get warm. He hunched up his shoulders to keep warm.

See also: hunch, up

hunch up

to squeeze or pull the parts of one's body together. He hunched up in a corner to keep warm. Why is that child hunched up in the corner?

See also: hunch, up

play a (or your) hunch

make an instinctive choice.

See also: hunch, play