tip someone off

Related to word: tip

Phrasal Verb

Definition

  1. C2Verb + that

    to confidentially alert someone about an upcoming event, enabling them to take measures or avert its occurrence

    • She tipped him off that the police were coming to arrest him.

    • He tipped off his friend to the impending danger to keep him safe.

    • The source tipped the reporter off, preventing the scandal from escalating.