clue
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[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
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- Rhymes: -uː
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
clue (plural clues)
- Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.
- 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
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
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[edit] See also
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to clue (third-person singular simple present clues, present participle cluing, simple past and past participle clued)
- To provide with a clue (often used with "in" or "up").
- To provide someone with information which he or she lacks.
- Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening.