1.   In phrasing questions it is as well to remember to protect the self-esteem of the subject by avoiding subtle hints as to what is an appropriate or desirable answer.

2.   Bloodied by the ballot-box defeat last week, Democrats avoided public criticism of the Republican plans, eager to avoid any hint that they opposed welfare changes.

3.   Borland tells his clients to avoid any hint of discourtesy or racial or ethnic prejudice.

4.   Akers wanted to avoid any hint of political conflict that might taint the investigation.

5.   Almost alone among Turkish politicians, Ecevit lives modestly and has avoided any hint of personal or financial scandal.

6.   For decades, they note, Mexican politicians were scrupulous in avoiding any hint of partisanship in American politics.

7.   Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, the president of the Athens Organizing Committee, assiduously avoided any hint of self-congratulation.

8.   In an effort to avoid any hint of favoritism, some schools have also abandoned common sense.

9.   In his first public remarks on the threatened strike, Clinton carefully avoided any hint of his plans for dealing with a work stoppage.

10.   In his first public remarks on the threatened strike, Clinton carefully avoids any hint of his plans for dealing with a work stoppage.