ADJ

clear, definite, distinct, obvious, real, sure, telltale, unmistakable
external, outward, visible
All the outward signs of growth in the market are there
tangible
early, first
Strong likes or dislikes of various foods are another of the early signs of pregnancy
increasing
encouraging, good, healthy, hopeful, positive, welcome
He was silent. It was a good sign
bad, disturbing
danger, ominous, warning
Are appliances you buy safe? We point out the danger signs

VERB + SIGN

bear, have
The murder had all the signs of a crime of passion
exhibit, display, give, show
By now the fish was showing signs of distress
detect, find, see, watch out for
We detected signs that they were less than enthusiastic about the holiday
interpret (sth as), read, recognize, see sth as
look for
Look carefully for signs of damp
point out

SIGN + VERB

appear, come
The first signs of spring appeared
indicate sth, point to sth
All the signs pointed to it being more than just a coincidence

PREP

at a/the ~
He disappeared at the first sign of trouble
from ~
The villages regarded the earthquake as a sign from God
~ of

PHRASES

sign of life
There was no sign of life in the house (= there seemed to be nobody there)
a sign of the times
It's a real sign of the times: 30 small businesses face financial ruin this month
little/no/not the least/not the slightest sign (of sb/sth)
He spoke up without the slightest sign of nervousness

ADJ

flashing, illuminated
neon
handwritten, painted
exit
inn, pub, shop, street
direction, road, traffic
'
Stop
'
warning
'
For sale
'
,
'
No Smoking
'
,
'
To let
'

VERB + SIGN

erect, hang out/up, hold up, put up
Some of the marchers were holding up signs and placards. Someone had put up a 'For Sale' sign
see
read
follow
Just follow the signs for Bridgend

SIGN + VERB

read sth, say sth
The sign read 'No Fishing'
indicate sth
This sign indicates that cycling is allowed
point
The sign pointed down a small lane
advertise sth
warn
signs warning against trespass
flash
A neon sign flashed above the door

PREP

~ for/to
Follow the road and you'll see signs for the turn-off

ADJ

frantic
rude
thumbs-up, V

VERB + SIGN

give (sb), make
She gave me a thumbs-up sign
communicate through
They had to communicate through signs and grunts

SIGN + NOUN

language, system

PREP

~ for
the sign for 'woman' in sign language

PHRASES

make the sign of the cross
The priest made the sign of the cross over the dead body

ADJ

euro, pound, etc.
equals, minus, plus, etc.

VERB + SIGN

draw, make
The wizard drew some strange signs in the air with his wand
use
I used the Chinese sign for 'father' instead of 'uncle'

SIGN + VERB

mean sth
What does this sign mean?

PREP

~ for
I can't remember the sign for 'square root'

ADJ

birth, star

VERB + SIGN

be born under

PREP

~ of
people born under the sign of Gemini

PHRASES

the signs of the Zodiac