a short piece of information that you give to a person when you cannot speak to them directly

If I'm not there when you call, leave a message. 如果你打电话时我不在，就留个口信。

[ + that ] I got a message that she'll be late. 我得到消息，说她会迟到。

Synonyms: communication dispatch epistle missive

the most important idea in a book, film, or play, or an idea that you want to tell people about

The movie's message is that rich and poor are alike. 这部电影旨在告诉人们富人和穷人是相似的。

We need to send a clear message that pollution will not be tolerated. 我们必须发出一个清晰的信息：污染将不会被容忍。

to understand what someone is trying to tell you, even if that person is not expressing themselves directly

I never answer his calls, so you'd think he'd get the message. 我从不接他的电话，所以你想他会明白我的意思吧。

Her boss started giving her more and more menial work to do. Eventually she got the message and left.

I think the government has got the message that most voters are opposed to this measure.

I've left all the cleaning materials out, so I hope they'll get the message!

We offered to buy her some more appropriate clothes but she still didn't get the message.

to make someone understand

We need to get the message across that too much sun is dangerous. 我们需要让人们明白过多的日晒是危险的。

The public health authority had a hard time getting the message across that the pandemic was not over.

People don't understand the risks of ultra-processed food and we're not managing to get the message across very well.

We need to get the message across to young women that they can succeed in science careers.

We need to get the message across that it's okay to ask for help if you're struggling.

to send someone a short message using a mobile phone or computer

I messaged him yesterday but haven't had a reply. 昨天我给他发了短信，但没有回音。