The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (400 page)

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A NOD'S as good as a wink to a blind horse

A fanciful assertion, often abbreviated as in quot. 1822, that the slightest hint is enough to convey one's meaning in the case.

1794
Caleb Williams
I. viii.
Say the word; a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.
1822
Gil Blas
(rev. ed.) I.
II
. ix.
I shall say no more at present; a nod is as good as a wink.
1925
Shadow of Gunman in Two Plays
I
. 142
You needn't say no more—a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse.
1979
Hooky & Villainous Chauffeur
vi.
The way he behaves .. Other men's wives. Still, I expect you know as much about that as I do …They say a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse.
1992
Root into Europe
ii. 34
Got a good PR machine working for you, I expect. Say no more… Nod's as good as a wink.