clue (kluː
)
Definitions
noun
- something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
- See not to have a clue
verb
Word forms: clues, cluing, clued
- (tr; usually foll by in or up) to provide with helpful information
noun verb
- a variant spelling of clew
Word Origin
C15: variant of clewSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
indication,
lead,
sign,
evidence,
tip,
suggestion,
trace,
hint,
suspicion,
pointer,
tip-off,
inkling,
intimation,
Translations
- British English:
clue
A clue to a problem, mystery, or puzzle is something that helps you find the answer....a crossword puzzle clue.kluː NOUN ...a crossword puzzle clue.
- Spanish:
pista
nf
- French:
indice
nm
- German:
Hinweis
nm
- Chinese: 线索 n
- Arabic: مِفْتَاح n
- Portuguese: dica nf
- Russian: клубок nm
- Croatian: indicija nf
- Czech: klíč nm
- Danish: spor nnt
- Dutch: aanwijzing nf
- Finnish: johtolanka n
- Greek: ένδειξη nf
- Italian: indizio nm
- Japanese: 手がかり n
- Korean: 실마리 n
- Norwegian: ledetråd nm
- Polish: wskazówka nf
- Brazilian Portuguese: dica nf
- European Spanish:
pista
nf
- Swedish: ledtråd nutr
- Thai: เงื่อนงำ n
- Turkish: delil n
- Vietnamese: đầu mối n
Usage examples
The clue could be in what Jannoc said to C. W. about him having to guard some prisoners.
, Code Breaker (1993)They are common near herons ' nests, which provides a clue to their real nature.
New Scientist (2004)The correct clue should read: Less elevated, Toronto river goes around lake.
Globe and Mail (2003)Instead, it's a clue to the glorious wildness of what must be one of the country's most underestimated areas.
Glasgow Herald (2002)President Bush's immediate announcement of a $15 billion `aid package' for airlines was the first clue.
, HOW MUMBO-JUMBO CONQUERED THE WORLD (2004)