take a hint
get a hint

The answer should have made him take a hint and go away.

I took the hint and looked out the window instead.

They took the hint and went up to the house.

The men take the hint and move to another table.

He stopped, feeling sure the girl would take the hint.

I killed his whole family, and he still won't take a hint.

Maybe he would take the hint and continue without talking about it.

I had taken the hint and passed it on to the others.

My guess is that your friend here wasn't taking the hint.

So now everyone just makes fun of them, in the hope they'll take the hint, and leave.