telegraphing

Giving away moves

Telegraphing is revealing intentions before acting, making them obvious to others.

A boxer telegraphs a punch by winding up too visibly; a poker player telegraphs a bluff through nervous habits.

The term comes from the telegraph's function of sending messages ahead: He telegraphed the twist ending in the first scene.

In fighting games and sports, telegraphing gives opponents time to counter.

predictability

foreshadowing

Hinting at later events

giveawayFree item or betraying clue
obviousEasily perceived, unmistakable
anticipatedExpected in advance

readable · transparent · broadcast · revealed · signposted · projected · foreseeable · expected · tipped · previewed

signaling

semaphore

Flag-based signaling system

transmissionSending of information
dispatchSend with speed
codedConverted to symbols

wireless · cablegram · radiotelegraphy · telex · teleprinter · relay · signalman · key · sounder · ticker

combat

punching

Striking with closed fist

feintingDeceptive combat maneuver
windupFinal part or preparation
stanceStanding posture or viewpoint

movement · shoulder · broadcast · readable · opponent · anticipate · tells · boxing · martial arts · strike

Categories

contactingcalling, phoning, texting, emailing, messaging
transfertransfer, transferring, transference, transmittal, transmitting
game designmechanics, level design, game balance, balancing, playtesting
writing flawstypos, spelling errors, plot hole, plot holes, cliche
highlightingemphasizing, stressing, underscoring, accenting, accentuating
historical activitiesjousting, archery, blacksmithing, falconry, feasting

Opposites

concealment

telegraphingconcealing

Keeping something secret

hiding · masking · disguising · cloaking · obscuring

subtlety

telegraphingunderstating

Representing as less significant

downplaying · hinting · insinuating · implying

timing of revelation

telegraphingsurprising

Causing mild shock

blindsiding · catching off guard · springing · ambushing · withholding

Family

telegraphic, telegraphist, telegraphically

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G