# clue stick

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/clue-stick
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.

## Examples

- He needs a clue stick to understand the basic rules.
- After explaining the project three times, I felt like I needed a clue stick to help him understand.
- The manager grew so frustrated with the repeated errors that he jokingly suggested the employee required a metaphorical clue stick to grasp the obvious.

## Origin

From clue + stick.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.