clue

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Derived terms 1.3.4 Translations 1.3.5 See also 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Derived terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Variant of clew, "a ball of thread or yarn", with reference to the one which the mythical Theseus used to guide him out of the Minotaur's labyrinth.

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -uː

[edit] Noun

clue (plural clues)

1. Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.
2. An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence.

[edit] Usage notes

Often used ironically in everyday usage in the US, exaggerating the hiddenness of the information constituting the clue, and thereby belittling the alertness and/or intelligence of the person lacking the information. In ordinary usage, 'clues' are normally associated with the investigation of unsolved crimes, especially murders; and in particular, the process of deducing what actually took place after collecting information about these events.

[edit] Synonyms

• (information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion): hint, indication, suggestion
• (object or indication which may be used as evidence): signature

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• evidence
• red herring

[edit] Verb

to clue (third-person singular simple present clues, present participle cluing, simple past and past participle clued)

1. To provide with a clue (often used with "in" or "up").
2. To provide someone with information which he or she lacks.

   Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening.

[edit] Derived terms

• clued-in
• clued-up