- clue
- clue1 [ klu ] noun count **1. ) an object or fact that someone discovers that helps them solve a crime or mystery:search for/look for/find a clue: Detectives were brought in to help search for clues.clue to/as to/about: Police still have no clues as to the identity of the killer.a ) a piece of information that helps explain a situation or provide a solution to a problem:clue to/as to/about: His expressionless face gave her no clue as to what he was thinking.These writings provide clues to the crisis in Dickens' private life.2. ) a word or phrase provided to help you find an answer in a CROSSWORDa ) a word or phrase that helps you to guess another word or phrase:Know who I saw in town today? Give me a clue.not have a clue INFORMAL1. ) to not know or understand something:Do you know where St. Paul Street is? I'm sorry, I don't have a clue.2. ) to be extremely stupid or extremely bad at doing something:They don't have a clue about how to take care of children.clueclue 2 [ klu ] verb,clue `in phrasal verb transitive INFORMALclue someone in to provide someone with information about someone or something
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.