All three companies have said that they have been cooperating with Justice Department officials and publicly hinted that they have been seeking to settle the class-action lawsuits.

Kerry first publicly hinted that Obama would deliver the convention's keynote address on June 29, though it was not until July 14 when the official announcement was made.

He hinted publicly that it might be a permanent development, but never pursued the idea beyond this story.

The prosecutor's subsequent arrogance in publicly hinting at his readiness to be lenient in exchange for resignation from municipal office slaps democracy in the face.

After the local elections, the speculation grew as no other candidates publicly hinted they would run.

This was also strongly and publicly hinted at by another party leader, Imre Pozsgay.

Joan Sutherland, his closest colleague in opera, has been hinting publicly for several years that he should retire.

Besides, if I publicly hinted at sympathizing with you, I'd lose what control I do have over the situation.

Richard J. Marino, a director of Standard & Poor's, said it was uncommon for the agency to hint publicly about a rating increase before it was ready to grant one.

By contrast, Representative Burton has not been reluctant to hint publicly that his investigators have gathered some dynamite information.