clue
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.
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.
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.
to direct or point out by a clue.
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.”
clue in,
to provide with useful or reliable information: Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.
to make familiar or aware: Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?
Origin of clue
1Other words for clue
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use clue in a sentence
You responded to each clue correctly before either of your opponents could.
You respond to each clue correctly before either of your opponents can.
Can You Snatch Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory? | Zach Wissner-Gross | November 13, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightDisoriented, without a clue where he might be in relation to the outside world.
If she could go on a boat and across the world not having a clue what lay ahead, then I must have that confidence somewhere, too, she thought.
Recreating Historical Adventures in Old-Fashioned Gear | Ailsa Ross | November 12, 2020 | Outside OnlineAn Internet search for the person has not yielded any clues.
Miss Manners: Decoding a job application response | Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin | November 12, 2020 | Washington Post
A new bunch of men had arrived—we felt like veterans as we gave them a hand at cluing their hammocks—and say, advice!
Over the Seas for Uncle Sam | Elaine Sterne
British Dictionary definitions for clue
/ (kluː) /
something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
not to have a clue
to be completely baffled
to be completely ignorant or incompetent
(tr; usually foll by in or up) to provide with helpful information
a variant spelling of clew
Origin of clue
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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