Nounverb
hint - A small or subtle piece of advice, suggestion, or information, often given to help someone understand something or solve a problem.

After a difficult 30 minutes in front of the group, my manager gave me a hint on how to improve my presentation.
stride - Progress or advancement: A significant step forward in development or improvement; or a long step or pace: A way of walking with long, decisive steps.

The Supreme Court's decision was a signfication stride in the movement towards desegretation.