something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery - not to have a clue ⇒
to be completely baffled to be completely ignorant or incompetent
- (tr; usually followed by in or up)
to provide with helpful information
- a variant spelling of clew
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
clue /klu/USA pronunciation
n., v., clued, clu•ing.
n. [countable]
v.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025n. [countable]
- anything that guides or directs in the solving of a problem, game, puzzle, etc.:I don't have a clue why he's so upset.
v.
- clue in, [~ + object + in] to provide with necessary information: Can you clue us in on the arrangements?
clue
(klo̅o̅),USA pronunciation n., v., clued, clu•ing.
n.
v.t.
n.
- anything that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem, mystery, etc.
- Nautical, Naval Termsclew (defs. 1–4, 6, 7).
v.t.
- to direct or point out by a clue.
- clew (def. 8).
- clue in:
- to provide with useful or reliable information:Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.
- to make familiar or aware:Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?
- variant spelling, spelled of clew
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged . sign, hint, trace, evidence, mark, key.
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