tip off

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

   “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.