This phrase refers to the widespread custom among Jews that, with the arrival of the month of Elul, one should begin to focus on blessings for the coming year. Elul is traditionally viewed as a time of introspection and preparation for the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), when Hashem judges the world and determines the blessings for the new year. Therefore, the customs of Elul include not only teshuvah (repentance), prayer, and charity, but also a heightened awareness of seeking blessings for a good and sweet year ahead.

This custom of "hinting" refers to subtly incorporating wishes or blessings for the upcoming year into one’s speech, actions, and interactions as a way of reinforcing the spiritual preparation during this period.