get an inkling (of something)

To obtain a basic, vague, or rudimentary knowledge or understanding (about something). Oh, don't worry, I got an inkling of how much this mistake is going to cost the company from the boss. I do speak a little Japanese, but I can't seem to get an inkling of what this woman is talking about. A: "I'm sorry, George and I just had a big fight." B: "Yeah, I got an inkling when you two would only talk to each other through me."