clue

clue¹ S2 [klu:] n

[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: clew 'ball of string' (11-19 centuries), from Old English cliewen; from the use of a ball of string for finding the way out of a network of passages]

1.) an object or piece of information that helps someone solve a crime or mystery

▪ Police have found a vital clue (=a very important clue) .

clue to/about/as to

▪ We now have an important clue as to the time of the murder.

▪ Archaeological evidence will provide clues about what the building was used for.

clue in

▪ This information is a valuable clue in our hunt for the bombers.

▪ a desperate search for clues

2.) information that helps you understand the reasons why something happens

clue to/about/as to

▪ Childhood experiences may provide a clue as to why some adults develop eating disorders.

3.) a piece of information that helps you solve a crossword puzzle, answer a question etc

▪ I'll give you a clue , Kevin, it's a kind of bird.

4.) not have a clue (where/why/how etc) informal

a) to not have any idea about the answer to a question, how to do something, what a situation is etc

▪ 'Do you know how to switch this thing off?' 'I haven't a clue.'

▪ Until I arrived here, I hadn't got a clue what I was going to say to her.

b) to be very stupid, or very bad at a particular activity

▪ Don't let Mike cook you dinner; he hasn't got a clue.

▪ I haven't a clue how to talk to girls.

not have a clue (where/why/how etc) about

▪ No point asking Jill - she hasn't got a clue about maths.

clue ²

clue² v

clue in [clue sb<=>in] phr v

to give someone information about something

clue somebody<=>in on/about

▪ Somebody must have clued him in on our sales strategy.