The phrase "are a sign of" carries with it a sense of indication, pointing towards a specific quality or trait. Synonyms for this phrase include "indicate," "suggest," "denote," and "imply," which all convey a similar meaning of pointing towards something else. When we use these words, we are expressing a sense of observation, deduction, and interpretation, as we see something and understand it as a sign or symbol of something else. Whether it is body language, behavior, or any other observable aspect, the words we choose to describe those observations can have subtle yet significant differences in tone and meaning.