Английский словарь американских идиом - give to understand

{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To make a person think that something is true but not tell him; suggest; hint. * /Mr. Johnson gave Billy to understand that he would pay him if he helped him clean the yard./ 2. To make a person understand by telling him very plainly or boldly. * /Frank was given to understand in a short note from the boss that he was fired./