clue Definition
- 1a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
- 2a fact or idea that helps to solve a problem or understand a situation
Using clue: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "clue" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The detective found a clue at the crime scene.
Example
I don't have any clue how to solve this math problem.
Example
The missing key was the only clue to the mystery.
Example
Her tone of voice gave me a clue about how she was feeling.
clue Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using clue
Example
I don't have a clue how to fix this computer.
Example
We can take a clue from their success and apply it to our own business.
Example
The detective followed the clues to find the missing person.
Phrases with clue
Example
Can you clue me in on what's going on?
clue up
to become informed or knowledgeable about something
Example
I need to clue up on the latest developments before the meeting.
having no knowledge, understanding, or ability
Example
He's completely clueless about how to fix the car.
Origins of clue
originated from the word 'clew' meaning a ball of thread or yarn used to guide someone through a maze
Summary: clue in Brief
The term 'clue' [kluː] refers to a piece of evidence or information used to solve a mystery or problem. It can be a physical object or an idea, as in 'I don't have any clue how to solve this math problem.' 'Clue' has idiomatic uses like 'not have a clue,' meaning to have no knowledge, and 'follow the clues,' meaning to investigate or search for information. Other phrases include 'clue in' and 'clue up,' which respectively mean to inform or become knowledgeable about something.