The discovery of this phenomenon was relatively recent: although there were earlier hints, the first formal proposal did not come until 1976.

The papers provide an early hint that the Japanese companies will maintain their traditional dominance of the memory chip business.

Nevertheless, there were early hints of unease among some elected officials who are unsure about exactly how the new office will function.

The earliest hints of the area's future as an immigrant neighborhood began with some Irish settling in that area.

This is one of the earliest hints at Wesley's issues with his own father.

He said a fisherman provided an early hint of the potential locked in the corals.

It is an early hint of connection between the registry and the human condition.

She brought back her cold, appraising stare - and then her earlier hint of a smile.

Dandelion greens, an early hint of spring, are showing up now on produce stands.

But despite such early hints of trouble, the scrutiny and attention of city officials was not enough to save Elizabeth's life.