They were given to understand that there would be no tax increase, but after the election taxes went up.She was given to understand that she had to be home by midnight.
give (one) to understand
To cause one to understand or believe something. Why should I worry? The boss has never given me to understand that she's displeased with my work.
given to understand
[of someone] made to believe [something]. (See also someone to understand">give someone to understand.) They were given to understand that there would be no tax increase, but after the election taxes went up.She was given to understand that she had to be home by midnight.