A fanciful assertion, often abbreviated as in quot. 1822, that the slightest hint is enough to convey one's meaning in the case.

Say the word; a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.
[1794 W. Godwin Caleb Williams I. viii.]

I shall say no more at present; a nod is as good as a wink.
[1822 B. Malkin Gil Blas (rev. ed.) I. ii. ix.]

You needn't say no more—a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse.
[1925 S. O'casey Shadow of Gunman in Two Plays i. 142]

The way he behaves‥Other men's wives. Still, I expect you know as much about that as I do. ‥They say a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse.
[1979 L. Meynell Hooky & Villainous Chauffeur vi.]

Got a good PR machine working for you, I expect. Say no more. ‥Nod's as good as a wink.
[1992 W. Donaldson Root into Europe ii. 34]

Related to: hints; tact

Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.

The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. Copyright © 1982, 1992, 1998, 2003, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.