clue

[ kloo ]

noun

1. anything that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem, mystery, etc.:

   It is up to Aurora to piece together the clues and solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.

   Synonyms: key, mark, evidence, trace, hint, sign

2. a phrase or word provided as a hint to help find an answer or response in a crossword puzzle, on a game show, etc.:

   The celebrity editor's name was featured as a clue on the long-running quiz show.

3. an insight into or knowledge about something:

   As a kid from the suburbs, Patrick has lived a sheltered life and doesn't have a clue how to survive on his own.

4. clew ( defs 2, 3, 4, 6 ).

verb (used with object)

, clued, clu·ing.

1. to direct or point out by a clue.
2. to help find (an answer in a puzzle or quiz) by providing a clue:

   The four-letter “nose” was clued as “characteristic smell of wine.”

3. clew ( def 7 ).

verb phrase

1. 1. to provide with useful or reliable information:

      Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.

   2. to make familiar or aware:

      Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?

clue

/ kluː /

noun

1. something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
2. not to have a clue
   1. to be completely baffled
   2. to be completely ignorant or incompetent

verb

1. tr; usually foll by in or up to provide with helpful information

noun

1. a variant spelling of clew

Word History and Origins

Origin of clue¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Word History and Origins

Origin of clue¹

C15: variant of clew

Example Sentences

So far, the US president-elect has given very few clues as to how he intends to end the conflict, beyond a typically vainglorious promise to end the war in 24 hours.

From BBC

Vance’s deleted post did provide one clue to his activities lately: He’s been interviewing candidates to be the director of the FBI.

From Los Angeles Times

"I haven't a clue," replies Fisher - clearly a man who doesn't give praise gushingly.

From BBC

Her 75-year-old grandmother had no clue what was going on, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

It also provided information about the relative abundance of every mRNA copy, which gives clues as to how much a gene is expressed in different tissues and times.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cue
• indication
• inkling
• key
• pointer
• proof
• solution
• suggestion
• tip
• trace