Definition of "tip off" in English

Verb

1. To alert or inform (someone), especially confidentially.

   • An anonymous caller tipped off the police that the suspect would be in the area.
   • Someone must have tipped him off. [A likely explanation for why he has disappeared.]

2. To put the ball in play by throwing it up between two opponents. To begin.

   • The game tips off in an hour, so hurry back!

3. To begin.

   • The game tips off in an hour, so hurry back!

4. To pour out (liquor); to tip the vessel and drink until it is empty.

5. To use a particular brush technique for producing a flawless surface on a wet coat of paint.