Beg to be given a quiet hint (5)
I believe the answer is:
plead
'beg' is the definition.
(I know that beg is a more specific form of plead)
'given a quiet hint' is the wordplay.
'given' says to put letters next to each other.
'a quiet' becomes 'p' (music symbol for 'piano', ie soft or quiet).
'hint' becomes 'lead' (synonyms).
'p' next to 'lead' is 'PLEAD'.
'to be' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for plead that I've seen before include "Sue" , "Appeal earnestly" , "Beg or petition" , "Argue (a position in court)" , "advocate in court" .)