Meaning & use
Telegraphed
Last updated
Made one's intentions obvious in advance, often unintentionally; also, sent a message by telegraph.
See it in a sentence
The boxer telegraphed his punch, giving his opponent time to dodge.
In 1912, the ship telegraphed a distress signal before it sank.
A note on using this word
The figurative sense — giving away an intention before acting — comes from boxing, where a telegraphed punch is one an opponent can see coming.
Words with a similar meaning
signaledrevealed
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
concealeddisguised
Another way to use it
2. verb
Sent a message using a telegraph system.
The general telegraphed headquarters as soon as the battle ended.
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