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

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

However, he has also cautioned fans not to look to the prequel films for clues, but rather the first two films give a better idea of the series' aesthetic.

From Salon

The historical dataset couldn't explain why weeds were less responsive to the herbicides under these conditions, but other studies provide clues.

From Science Daily

The editing of a session that would normally last more than an hour gave a few small clues about Amorim's thinking before his first match in charge at Ipswich on Sunday.

From BBC

Given that Martian lava tubes are similarly shielded and likely contain sulfate-rich minerals, they may also hold signs of past microbial life, giving us clues about potential life beyond Earth.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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