clue

clue · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A piece of evidence or information used to solve a problem or mystery.

  2. 2.

    To inform someone about something.

  3. 3.

    A piece of information that helps answer a question.

Forms

plural: clues

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    clue in — to inform someone about something
  • •
    not have a clue — to have no idea or knowledge
  • •
    clueless — having no idea
  • •
    follow the clues — to track evidence

Related words

See also: evidence, hint, lead, mystery
Synonyms: evidence, hint, indication, lead, sign

Etymology

From Middle English "clewe" meaning a ball of thread, from the Greek myth of Theseus using a thread to find his way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth. The meaning shifted to "something that guides" and then to "evidence."